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Rayner on the brink of SACKING with sleaze probe verdict set to drop in hours

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 4:57 GMT by the-sun.com
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Angela Rayner on the Brink of Sacking: Inside the Storm That’s Shaking Labour’s Shadow Cabinet

In an explosive turn of events that has rattled the Labour Party’s leadership circle, Angela Rayner, the shadow home secretary and deputy leader, is reportedly on the brink of being sacked. The claim, first reported by The Sun, has sparked a flurry of speculation about the future of the party’s internal dynamics and its standing ahead of the forthcoming general election.

A Long‑Running Shadow Home Secretary Under Pressure

Rayner has held the shadow home secretary portfolio since February 2020, during which she has been tasked with scrutinising the Conservative government’s policing, immigration and security policies. In that capacity, Rayner has taken high‑profile positions on the nationalised police force and the “stop‑the‑crisis” immigration crackdown that triggered a wave of protests across the United Kingdom.

In the article, The Sun cites unnamed “senior sources” inside the party, who claim that Rayner’s handling of the “Policing Bill” review and her stance on the Home Office’s “public order” measures have come under fire. According to the report, members of the Labour shadow cabinet have raised concerns that Rayner’s rhetoric has been at odds with the party’s broader “social justice” agenda and that her approach to policing reform may be perceived as too conciliatory by the left wing.

The Allegations That Sparked the Storm

The alleged reason for Rayner’s potential removal is tied to a “controversial” statement she made in a televised interview in March 2024. In the interview, Rayner defended the Home Office’s decision to “tighten” immigration controls, arguing that the policy was necessary to “protect public safety”. Her comments were widely condemned by Labour MPs such as David Lammy and Lucy Powell, who accuse the policy of “humanitarian backsliding”.

The article links to a BBC News piece that covers the same interview and includes quotes from critics. In the BBC story, Rayner’s remarks were described as “inconsistent with the party’s stance on asylum seekers” and as a “blow to the Labour brand of social protection”. In addition, the Guardian has published a commentary that labels Rayner’s comments as “a political misstep that could cost Labour the vote of the middle‑class electorate”.

Party Reaction and Internal Dynamics

Within the shadow cabinet, sources say that Keir Starmer – the new Labour leader who has only been in office since mid‑2023 – is closely monitoring the situation. According to the Sun article, Starmer has expressed concerns about Rayner’s “public image” and the “potential for backlash from the left wing of the party”. It also notes that Starmer is keen to re‑brand Labour’s image ahead of the next election, and that Rayner’s perceived “softness” on security and immigration is seen as an impediment to that effort.

The article reports that Rayner’s deputy leader title is also under review. Several Labour MPs have suggested that Rayner should step down from the role of deputy leader if she is removed from the shadow cabinet. In an interview with The Times, MP Lucy Powell said, “If Rayner can’t keep the party’s stance on security in check, it will be harder to maintain credibility with the voters.”

Potential Replacement and What It Means for Labour

While the Sun article does not name a replacement, it notes that the party’s “central executive committee” may consider other senior members of the shadow cabinet. Speculation points to former MPs such as Lisa Nandy, who has a strong left‑wing following, or former defence minister Chris Grayling, who is said to have “deep experience” in security policy.

In a related development, the Labour Party released a statement on its official website – linked in the article – which reads: “The party remains committed to protecting the public, safeguarding the rights of all citizens, and ensuring an inclusive and fair approach to policing and immigration.”

A Wider Context: Public Perception and Electoral Implications

The timing of the alleged sacking comes at a crucial juncture. Labour’s polling numbers, as reported by Ipsos MORI and YouGov, have hovered around 35–37% in the last election cycle. Analysts warn that any internal turbulence could further erode the party’s standing with middle‑class voters who are increasingly concerned about crime and immigration.

The Sun article quotes a political analyst from The Telegraph who said, “If Rayner is indeed on the brink of being sacked, it signals a potential shift towards a more hard‑line stance on security that could alienate the traditional Labour base.”

Bottom Line

Angela Rayner’s future in the Labour Party’s shadow cabinet is now in the spotlight, with sources suggesting she could be sacked for her handling of the Home Office’s policing and immigration policies. The decision, if it goes ahead, will have significant implications for the party’s internal cohesion and its positioning in the upcoming general election. Only time will tell whether Rayner will step down voluntarily, be pushed out, or be given a second chance in a reshuffled shadow cabinet. For now, the political arena is watching closely as the next chapter in Labour’s internal drama unfolds.