Angela Rayner Demands Keir Starmer Resign, Backs Andy Burnham Return to Parliament

Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, has declared Labour is facing its "last chance" after this week's substantial electoral defeats. Her statement included backing Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, to return to Parliament, further scrutinising Keir Starmer's leadership.

Rayner, considered a potential successor to Sir Keir, urged him to "meet the moment" with more assertive policies to improve living standards. While not initiating a leadership challenge herself, her intervention amplifies the pressure on Starmer, who is expected to deliver a speech on Monday attempting to stabilise his position.

In her initial public remarks since Thursday's elections, Rayner called for Starmer to take more robust action against inequality and "squeezed living standards." Her 1,000-word statement advocated for greater economic powers for regional mayors, an increase in the minimum wage, and a commitment to "promote new forms of public, community and cooperative ownership across the board."

"We are in danger of becoming a party of the well-off, not working people," Rayner stated. "What we are doing isn't working, and it needs to change. This may be our last chance."

Rayner also criticised the party's decision to block Burnham from standing in February's Gorton and Denton by-election, describing it as a "mistake." She argued, "We must show we understand the scale of change the moment calls for - that means bringing our best players into Parliament."

Labour sustained nearly 1,500 councillor losses in local elections across England on Thursday and was removed from power in the Welsh Parliament, concluding a century of political dominance in Wales. The party finished jointly second in Scotland, where the SNP maintained control.

This development occurs as backbench MP Catherine West confirmed her intention to trigger a leadership contest against Starmer if she remains "dissatisfied" after his Monday speech. West, a former junior minister, is not seeking leadership herself but aims to facilitate a contest that could introduce heavyweight contenders. However, current party rules stipulate that Burnham cannot enter a leadership contest without first securing a seat as an MP.