Overview
- Sir Keir Starmer told Times Radio he wants Angela Rayner back on the front line at the right point and said she has a future role to play.
- Rayner is still under HMRC investigation over underpaid stamp duty, with tax experts noting she could face fines and repayment of about £40,000 and that such inquiries can take time.
- Starmer has encouraged Rayner to help on the campaign trail in the Gorton & Denton by-election as No 10 aides hold meetings to strengthen links with backbenchers ahead of May’s contests.
- Some allies complain the HMRC process is moving too slowly, though a source close to Rayner rejects attacks on the department and says she continues to cooperate without offering a running commentary.
- Tabloid reports claim she has secured a £1m leadership ‘war chest,’ and The Telegraph reports a company called The Office of Angela Rayner Ltd was incorporated on January 22, though her team frames the setup as administrative and allies dispute the fundraising claims.