The Mirror’s Political Editor Lizzy Buchan writes…
Angela Rayner could throw her hat in the ring to take on Wes Streeting if a leadership contest was called quickly, the Mirror understands.
The former Deputy PM appeared to have put her own ambitions on ice as she called for the path to be cleared for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster.
But Ms Rayner could step forward if Mr Streeting tried to force a rapid succession before the Greater Manchester Mayor finds a path back to Parliament.
Mr Burnham’s allies have been signalling he has his eyes on a Commons seat but the silence from his camp has triggered scepticism he has one lined up.
This leaves Ms Rayner as one of the few viable candidates from the soft left flank of the Labour Party to take on Mr Streeting.
A Labour insider said: “He’s [Keir Starmer] has done the sensible thing in trying to flush Wes out. If he doesn’t follow through, it looks like he’s completely bottled it. It’s a moment to put up or shut up.”
A handful of Mr Streeting’s allies quit their ministerial posts today, triggering speculation he could be plotting a move.
But an ally of Rayner said: “We need to ward off Wes.”
Ms Rayner is still weighed down by an unresolved HMRC probe into her tax affairs after she admitted to underpaying tax on her £800,000 seaside flat.
But the source added: “If that’s what it takes to stop Wes, she will be willing to act.”
