Angela Rayner goes full beige in her push for an Andy Burnham promotion

Politics The Guardian By John Crace 06 Jul 2026 16:41 1 min read

Angie did her best to not say anything controversial in a presenting gig on LBC. Let’s hope it was a one-off It’s been quiet. Too quiet. There was a time, not so long ago, when Angela Rayner was being widely tipped to be the UK’s next prime minister after Keir Starmer. Not least by sources – ahem – extremely close to Ange herself. Just as soon as she had settled her outstanding tax bill to HMRC. Then along came Andy Burnham. The momentum seemingly unstoppable. And Angie faded into the background

Angie did her best to not say anything controversial in a presenting gig on LBC. Let’s hope it was a one-off

It’s been quiet. Too quiet. There was a time, not so long ago, when Angela Rayner was being widely tipped to be the UK’s next prime minister after Keir Starmer. Not least by sources – ahem – extremely close to Ange herself. Just as soon as she had settled her outstanding tax bill to HMRC.

Then along came Andy Burnham. The momentum seemingly unstoppable. And Angie faded into the background. Her leadership challenge consigned to the dustbin of Westminster gossip. She was happy where she was. Turning down Keir’s offer of becoming health secretary while hoping for a more permanent promotion under Andy. They also serve who only stand and wait.

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