According to a forthcoming biography, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner reportedly considered resigning from Sir Keir Starmer’s government due to what she perceived as an unattainable mandate regarding housing construction.
The book, Red Flag by Lord Ashcroft, details that Rayner, who also holds the position of Housing Secretary, felt pressured by a directive to construct 1.5 million new homes within five years of Labour assuming power. Sources within the party suggest she believed achieving this goal was practically impossible.
As recounted in extracts shared with The Mail on Sunday, Lord Ashcroft wrote: “She is still prone to stirring up trouble… one occasion she threatened to resign because she felt she’d been set the impossible target of Labour building 1.5 million new homes.”
Ultimately, Rayner was dissuaded from resigning following a personal intervention by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, highlighting his continued influence within the Labour project, according to Ashcroft.
The biography also alleges that Rayner faced difficulties securing her official residence at Admiralty House.
Labour insiders corroborate Rayner’s concerns, stating: “The fact is we don’t have enough bricks and there isn’t enough water to supply these houses.” Another Labour MP told The Mail on Sunday that Rayner had long recognized the target as “undeliverable.”
However, a source close to Rayner has denied the claims outlined in Ashcroft’s book. “We do not recognise the claims made,” they asserted, adding that Rayner remains committed to Labour’s pledge and is proud to serve within Starmer’s Cabinet.
Following her appointment as Housing Secretary, Rayner publicly stated there was “no excuse” for failing to meet the ambitious housing target. Industry experts had previously voiced reservations regarding the feasibility of such a significant increase in construction.
Rayner secured her position as Deputy Leader during Labour’s leadership contest in 2020, defeating several prominent contenders including Rosena Allin-Khan, Richard Burgon, Ian Murray and Dawn Butler.
- Leadership Election: Rayner defeated Rosena Allin-Khan, Richard Burgon, Ian Murray and Dawn Butler to become Deputy Leader.
The relationship between Starmer and Rayner has reportedly been strained since then; reports suggest Starmer considered dismissing her after disappointing local election results in 2021.
Earlier this year, Rayner acknowledged disagreements with Starmer while affirming his dedication to serving the country. She stated that they “don’t agree on everything.”
