Ms Rayner was emotional in the Commons as she spoke in the chamber for the first time since she stood down. All of us in public life know all too well the toll of the intense scrutiny we face places on our loved ones. Bridget Phillipson, who is vying with Lucy Powell to win Labour’s deputy leadership election to replace Ms Rayner, was also in attendance. There has already been calls for Ms Rayner to return to Government since her departure. At Labour’s party conference in Liverpool, Health Secretary Wes Streeting told members: “We need her back.”On Wednesday, Ms Rayner recalled her maiden speech in 2015 when was elected as MP for Ashton-under-Lyme.

Source: The Times October 23, 2025 01:42 UTC