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Angela Rayner May Be Off the Frontline But She Remains a Force in the Labour Party – Analysis

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago07 mins

Angela Rayner’s resignation marks a profound loss for Sir Keir Starmer’s government — a fact made all the more apparent by the prime minister’s deeply personal, handwritten letter to his former deputy. Her departure was not something he wanted, and it is clear he regrets it. Rayner was more than just Starmer’s deputy; she was a powerful figurehead on the Labour left, a symbol of working-class representation, and a political asset who lent credibility to Starmer’s centrist project in parts of the party that might otherwise have dismissed it. Her exit from government — triggered by her failure to pay the correct amount of stamp duty on her second property — leaves a significant gap. While Sir Laurie Magnus, the prime minister’s standards adviser, found she breached the ministerial code, he acknowledged that she acted with integrity and had shown dedicated public service. Despite her misstep, Rayner remains a politician of considerable stature. Though she is wounded politically, her move to the backbenches does not mean she is out of the picture. If she chooses to rebuild her political career, she could emerge as a renewed and compelling voice in the party. Her roots in the trade union movement and her status as a self-made figure — from teenage single mum to deputy prime minister — still resonate deeply with Labour members and supporters. Whether she seeks a return to the frontline or carves out a new role, she remains influential. While there is no indication that Rayner will become disloyal to Starmer, her presence alone could shape the party’s direction. She is a figurehead, whether she wants to be or not. The optics of her departure are challenging. It allows political opponents to question Labour’s commitment to tax fairness at a time when property taxes may be on the table in the next Budget. And her resignation has also triggered a deputy leadership race — an elected role — which could expose divisions between Labour’s left and centrist factions. As the saying goes: divided parties don’t win elections. Labour will now have to navigate a visible and likely contentious contest to replace Rayner — a reminder that internal tensions still simmer beneath the surface of Starmer’s leadership. Yet, amid the upheaval, the prime minister appears to be using this crisis as a moment to reset. In a bold and sweeping reshuffle that caught even serving ministers off guard, Starmer overhauled his top team. Chancellor Rachel Reeves remains in post, but key figures have been reassigned, and the leadership’s tone has shifted. Shabana Mahmood has been appointed Home Secretary with a mandate to tackle the small boats crisis, and Pat McFadden, a close Starmer ally, now leads a new super-ministry focused on welfare and employment. David Lammy, Starmer’s longtime friend and former campaign manager, has been elevated to Deputy Prime Minister. Jonathan Reynolds has become Chief Whip — a key post for a leader navigating tricky backbench relations. A senior Labour figure described the reshuffle as the beginning of a tighter, more trusted inner circle — a sort of “kitchen cabinet” designed to offer the prime minister reliable counsel and consistent political support. “What he needs are politicians he feels comfortable with,” one insider said. “This is about the PM reaching for the right kind of support and a team he trusts and can rely on.” Angela Rayner may no longer sit around that table, but her influence in British politics has not vanished. Her future on the backbenches could shape the party’s next chapter, especially if she chooses to fight her way back. For Starmer, this reshuffle represents a gamble — a necessary act of decisiveness for a leader often criticised for caution. Whether it will restore momentum and political strength remains to be seen. But for now, Rayner’s absence is a powerful reminder of both the fragility of public trust and the volatile nature of political life — where even the most compelling figures can fall, only to potentially rise again.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner Resigns

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago06 mins

Angela Rayner has resigned as deputy leader of the Labour Party, housing secretary and deputy prime minister. It comes two days after she admitted that she should have paid more tax when she bought a flat in Hove, a seaside resort in East Sussex, earlier this year. An ethics report released on Friday said Ms Rayner’s actions were in breach the ministerial code – a set of rules which tells people with positions in the government the behaviour expected of them. In a letter Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that he’s “very sad” that her time in government has ended but she will remain “a major figure” in the Labour Party. Opposition parties have criticised Ms Rayner and the prime minister’s handling of the situation. Ms Rayner was born in 1980 in Stockport. After leaving school she didn’t go to university but got a job in her local council in social work. She later became a representative for the trade union, Unison, which works to support workers in public services, like local government, education and health. In 2014 she was selected as the Labour Party’s candidate for Ashton-under-Lyne, and despite her party losing the 2015 general election, she won her seat and became an MP. She briefly became a member of the housing, communities and local government select committee, before going on to more senior roles. Angela Rayner bought a flat in Hove in May 2025. When someone buys a property they often have to pay a type of tax called stamp duty. Ms Rayner admitted that she made an “error” and didn’t pay the right amount of tax when she bought the flat. Government ministers are expected to follow all the rules on paying tax, and there are supposed to be serious consequences if they don’t. A report looking into what had happened found that she did not “did not heed the caution” in legal advice she received and had breached the ministerial code. She says she is sorry for not getting the right advice on how much to pay. Ms Rayner will now need to pay money to the tax authorities, which she says she will do. Ms Rayner has said that she “deeply regret[s]” her decision not to seek additional specialist tax advice given her position in the government and her “complex” personal situation. “I take full responsibility for this error,” she added, saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to repeat that it was never my intention to do anything other than pay the right amount.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer seen leaving Downing Street carrying folders. In a handwritten letter from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to his former deputy, Angela Rayner, he wrote about feeling “very sad that your time as deputy prime minister, secretary of state and deputy leader of the Labour Party has ended in this way”. The PM added that Ms Rayner was “right” to refer herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards and “right to act on his conclusion”. In a video posted to X, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said: “It’s only because of Keir Starmer’s weakness that she wasn’t sacked three days ago”, adding: “Britain deserves better.” She said Starmer showed “no principle, no backbone” and claims “questions remain” about what the PM knew, and when. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said it had become “clear” that her position became “untenable”, and said he hopes the government can “move on and deal with the huge problems millions of people in our country face”. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said in a speech, “you can’t be housing secretary and avoid £40,000 of stamp duty”. He went on to accuse Labour’s cabinet ministers of being “wholly unqualified people to run our country”.

Labour Party Threatens Legal Action Over Candidate Exclusion in August 16 Bye-Election

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The Labour Party has warned it will seek to nullify the August 16, 2025 bye-election if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fails to publish the names of its candidates and include its logo on the ballot. In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party accused INEC of serving anti-democratic interests and urged well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the Commission to uphold the Constitution and the Electoral Act. The party maintained that under the 2022 Electoral Act, any political party excluded from an election has the right to pursue legal redress. Describing the situation as a waste of taxpayers’ money, the Labour Party warned it would not condone any action that damages its image or reputation. Citing a Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025—which affirmed that party leadership matters are an internal affair—the party stressed that its current leadership emerged from the March 27, 2024 convention in Nnewi, led by Barrister Julius Abure. It urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to comply with the court’s ruling and respect the authority of the party’s leadership.

Bye-Election: Labour Party Slams INEC Over Candidate Omission, Vows Legal Action

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 2, 2025 The Labour Party has condemned the omission of its candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from participating in the upcoming August 16, 2025 bye-election, describing the move as unlawful, shocking, and an abuse of power. In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, the party accused the electoral body of overstepping its constitutional boundaries and interfering in internal party affairs. “As a duly registered political party in Nigeria, the Labour Party is fully aware of its rights under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) to sponsor candidates in all elections,” the statement read. “The law does not empower INEC to stop any political party from fielding candidates, nor does it allow the commission to pick and choose which elections a political party can participate in.” The party cited the April 4, 2025 Supreme Court judgement, clarifying that the ruling addressed only the issue of jurisdiction of lower courts and did not nullify the current leadership of the Labour Party. According to the party, the apex court emphasized that internal party disputes must be resolved through internal mechanisms. “At no point did the Supreme Court empower INEC to interfere with the internal matters of a political party,” the statement added. “INEC cannot arrogate to itself the powers of the courts or interpret the ruling of the Supreme Court beyond what was clearly stated.” The party demanded that INEC immediately upload the names of its duly nominated candidates for the forthcoming bye-election and cease any further interference in its internal affairs. It further warned that proceeding with the bye-election without Labour Party representation would be a waste of resources and could result in legal consequences. “The Labour Party will explore all lawful means to resist any attempt to harass, intimidate or ridicule our party. INEC’s actions, if not redressed, will be challenged in court.” Urging its members and supporters to remain calm, the party assured that it is committed to protecting its candidates’ interests and will do everything within the law to ensure their names are listed for the August 16 bye-election. It also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue to pray for the country, expressing hope for a day when the electoral process will reflect fairness, justice, and accountability.

Coalition: Labour Party Gives Peter Obi 48-Hour Ultimatum to Resign from Party

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Gregory Obi has received a 48 hour ultimatum to formally resign his membership of the Labour Party having formally joined the coalition party. Labour Party while reiterating its reiterating its disinterestedness in joining the coalition, claimed members of the coalition are power mongers whose only interest was self and not the people. The party warned Nigerians that the often mouthed ‘new Nigeria is Possible’ is a ruse and cannot be achieved with the assemblage of old, recycled, desperate and frustrated politicians in the coalition. In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, the party says that all those who mismanaged Nigeria over the years are the ones that gathered themselves in the coalition while noting that desperate politicians can’t birth new Nigeria. “We are aware of several nocturnal meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, lobbying them to join him in his new party. We’re also aware that a number of them has refused to defect with him. “Labour Party has consistently said it is not part of the coalition and therefore, any of our members who is part of the coalition is given within 48 hours to formally resign his membership of the party. “Labour Party is not available for people with dual agenda, people with deceptive persona. The party will not avail itself to individuals who have one leg in one Party and another leg elsewhere. People that in the morning, they will claim to be in the Labour Party and in the evening they are in coalition. “Nearly 70 percent of Nigerian population are youths who are tired of the old order, tired of gerontocrats deciding their fate. The new Nigeria that the youths are dreaming of, is not what can be realized from what we are seeing in the coalition. “These people are opportunistic politicians who are only interested in relaunching themselves into circle of power, people who are desperate to continue holding on to power. “The new Nigeria of our dream can only be realized through Labour Party and the party is willing to lead Nigerians along that trajectory. “I therefore urge all members of the party to remain loyal and keep the party structure intact ahead of future elections,” the statement read

Labour Party Chairman Abure Dares Peter Obi Others to Prove Corruption Claims

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, has publicly challenged Peter Obi and other former presidential aspirants to present evidence of any funds allegedly given to him or the party during the 2023 general elections. In a video shared by Symfoni on Tuesday, Abure firmly denied receiving money from any candidate for personal use, including Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer. He warned that if provoked further, he would expose certain individuals in the party, claiming their reputations would be tarnished “like rotten eggs.” Addressing party members in Abuja, Abure said, “Let any of them—Peter Obi and others who contested—come out and say what they personally gave me or the party. Enough of hiding and alleging corruption. If they have evidence, let them present it. If not, they should remain silent forever.” He also hinted at convening a world press conference to address the allegations, saying he has stayed quiet out of respect and a hope for reconciliation. Speaking further, Abure criticized Abia State Governor Alex Otti, claiming the party received no money from him either. “He asked me what he could do for me. I said, ‘Nothing. Use your money for the election,’” Abure stated. “The party doesn’t have N1,000 from him or any other elected officials, except a few.” Amid growing internal rifts and accusations of financial misconduct, Abure maintained that the Labour Party leadership rejected bribes and resisted political pressure during and after the elections.

Labour Party Suspends Otti, Nwokocha, Kingibe Indefinitely

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago05 mins

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has suspended six prominent members of the party, including the party’s only elected governor, Alex Otti of Abia State. This decision was contained in a statement issued by the faction’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, in Abuja, on Wednesday. He said, “Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a five-man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, and any other party members over allegations of anti-party activities. “The Disciplinary Committee has concluded their assignment and has submitted their report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today, May 7th, 2025, and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution, has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee. “Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect. 1. Dr Alex Otti; 2. Senator Ireti Kingibe; 3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha; 4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; 5. Hon. Amobi Ogah; 6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.” “By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions, including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC and security agencies, among others, are to take note.” The party also clarified that Nenadi Usman was not included in the suspension list because she is not a registered member of the Labour Party, but merely a supporter of its 2023 presidential candidate. “We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party,” the statement added. “She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, and her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption,” the statement added. Reaffirming its position on political independence, the Labour Party declared that it will not enter into any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Finally, the party has since taken a position on the issue of coalition, and we want to reiterate that the party is not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger,” the statement added. “Like we have earlier stated, the protagonists of the coalition, those driving the agenda, lack the capacity, character and competence to midwife such a political arrangement. These are people who have failed to manage one political party; how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests? The Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as a standalone party, and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter.”

Labour Party Submits Supreme Court Judgement on Leadership to INEC

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago01 mins

A high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP), led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja to discuss key developments within the party. During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership. He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the LP’s current structure. The delegation was received by INEC’s Acting Chairman, Mr. Sam Olumekun, and other National Commissioners. Both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values. Mr. Olumekun reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.