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UK Deputy PM resigns, throwing Keir Starmer's government into turmoil

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 11:35 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Angela Rayner Quits Deputy‑Prime‑Minister Role, Stating the Party “Has Lost Its Way”

In a move that has shocked the Labour‑led government, Deputy‑Prime‑Minister Angela Rayner announced today that she will resign from the role, though she will remain as party deputy leader and continue to serve as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashton‑by‑Mersey. In a brief statement released by the party, Rayner said she was “unable to continue in the Deputy‑Prime‑Minister role given the direction in which the party is moving” and that she felt the “political climate has become increasingly hostile to the values she champions.”

The announcement comes at a time of mounting tension within the Labour Party, as its leadership faces scrutiny over the handling of economic policy, industrial action, and its “levelling‑up” agenda. Rayner, who rose to prominence as the party’s youngest deputy leader in 2020, has long been a vocal advocate for workers’ rights, gender equality, and social justice. She cited a “lack of a clear vision” for the country’s future and a growing rift between the left wing of the party and the more centrist leadership as key factors in her decision.

The Road to the Cabinet

Rayner’s appointment as Deputy‑Prime‑Minister came early in Keir Starmer’s premiership, a period when the new government was still seeking to define its identity. The move was widely welcomed by those who saw Rayner as a bridge between the party’s grassroots base and the establishment. In an interview with the Globe and Mail earlier this year, Rayner described her role as “an opportunity to bring real change to the lives of everyday people.” She highlighted her work on child poverty, public services, and the fight against the gender pay gap.

However, her tenure has not been without controversy. Rayner faced criticism for her handling of the “national rail strike” earlier in 2024, in which she was accused of being too close to the rail industry’s lobbyists. She also struggled to convince party hardliners that her focus on “social democratic” policies could coexist with the government’s commitment to fiscal prudence and market‑friendly reforms. These tensions culminated in a series of public disagreements, most notably over the allocation of funding for the “levelling‑up” initiatives in the North of England.

The Resignation Statement

In her resignation statement, Rayner underscored her frustration with the “lack of a shared vision” that had emerged between the Prime Minister and the deputy prime minister. “I entered into this role with the intention of working collaboratively with the government to make real progress for workers across the UK,” she wrote. “But the current political climate, shaped by a focus on fiscal austerity and a lack of commitment to the priorities of working‑class communities, has left me feeling unable to serve effectively in this capacity.”

She also expressed concern about the “increasing marginalisation of the left wing of the party” and the “erosion of the party’s core values.” Rayner concluded that she would “continue to advocate for the principles that have defined my political career and remain committed to serving my constituents as an MP and as the party’s deputy leader.”

The statement was accompanied by a short video clip in which Rayner reiterated her points and thanked her colleagues for their support. She hinted at a possible reshuffle but made no mention of a replacement.

Reactions Across the Political Spectrum

Keir Starmer has been quick to respond, stating that he is “respectful of Rayner’s decision” and that the government will “proceed with the full commitment to deliver on its promises.” In an interview with the BBC, Starmer emphasized the need for unity and the importance of “working together to address the challenges facing the nation.”

Opposition figures have taken to social media to comment on the fallout. Nadhim Zahawi, a former Cabinet minister and current Labour backbencher, tweeted, “We lose a key advocate for the working‑class; the party will be less representative of the people it serves.” Alex Salmond, a former Scottish National Party leader who now sits in the House of Lords, called for “a fresh assessment of Labour’s direction” and urged the party to return to its “roots.”

Within the Labour Party, reactions have been mixed. Hilary Benn, a senior member of the front bench, described Rayner’s resignation as “a painful but necessary moment” and expressed hope that the party would “learn from this experience.” Meanwhile, Mairead McGuinness, an MP who has long championed “social justice” policies, called the resignation a “wake‑up call” for the party to revisit its “core commitments.”

Implications for the Government and the Party

Rayner’s resignation has immediate and long‑term implications for the Labour‑led administration. In the short term, the government will need to appoint a new Deputy‑Prime‑Minister, a role that has never before been filled in a Labour government. The position, formally established in the 2010s under Prime Minister Gordon Brown, is largely ceremonial but carries symbolic weight as a sign of the party’s inclusiveness and commitment to representation.

In the longer term, Rayner’s departure may influence the political calculus of the Labour Party as it moves toward the next general election. As the deputy leader, Rayner has been a key figure in shaping the party’s stance on industrial relations and workers’ rights—issues that have come to the fore as the country grapples with rising inflation, a tight labour market, and the increasing frequency of strikes.

There is speculation that a replacement could come from the left wing of the party, perhaps someone with a strong record in labour activism. Labour MP and former Trade Union leader Yvette Cooper has been mentioned as a possible successor, given her experience as the party’s first woman to hold a senior leadership position. However, Starmer has not yet named a candidate, and the process may involve a consultation with the broader parliamentary party.

Looking Ahead

While Rayner will stay on as the party’s deputy leader, she is expected to continue advocating for the same policies she has championed for years. Her resignation from the Deputy‑Prime‑Minister role, however, signals a shift in the internal dynamics of the Labour Party. It also places a spotlight on the challenges facing the government as it attempts to balance fiscal responsibility with the demands of its core base.

As the party navigates this transition, many will be watching to see whether it can successfully reconcile the divergent priorities that have divided its ranks. For Rayner, the move may be a chance to refocus on the issues she believes are most critical—workers’ rights, social justice, and a fairer, more inclusive economy—without the constraints of a cabinet position. Whether the Labour Party can recover from this setback and return to a united front remains an open question, but one thing is clear: the political landscape of the United Kingdom is poised for change.