Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said the Labour Party ‘needs Angela Rayner back’.
He credited her with securing the fair pay agreement for social care workers during his speech at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool today, Tuesday.
He said: “There’s someone else who’s made a real difference too, who understands the struggle care workers face, because she was one.
“She brought that experience to the cabinet table as the car worker who become our countries deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, this achievement is yours, thank you.”
He ended his speech with a powerful and direct message: “We want her back; we need her back.” His remarks were met with loud cheers and a standing ovation.
The New Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, also voiced his appreciation for Angela Rayner in his speech.
He said: “When I picked up the phone to the Prime Minister three weeks ago, he offered me my dream job, but not under the circumstances I would have wanted.
“So can I begin by thanking my good friend Angela Rayner for all she has done for our party and our Government over so many years, for workers rights, for local government, for building council homes.”
He echoed this sentiment on X (formerly Twitter) tagging Rayner in his tweet that read: “Angela you are a true working-class hero, it’s a privilege to follow in your footsteps as our nation’s housing secretary.”
Rayner responded with her own message: “Thank you, Steve, and to all the delegates, activists and members who continue to be the lifeblood of this Labour Government.” She continued, “I’m sad not to be alongside you all in Liverpool this year, but I’m with you in spirit- and will continue fighting for working people.”
The conference statements have divided opinion on X, with mixed responses of support and outrage. One user wrote:
“#Labour MPs and delegates at conference, calling for Angela Rayner to return to government, A tax Dodger and hypocrite, who resigned in disgrace just 2-3 weeks ago. Politicians- make you sick.”
Another, however, had the opposite reaction, tweeting:
“There is so much love in the #LabourPartyConference room for @AngelaRayner. The sooner she returns to Cabinet the better this country will be. She is a huge asset to the Labour Party and the country.”
Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, also paid tribute to Angela Rayner. Watch the video here.
