Reaction as Rayner Resigns in Tax Row
Will Raven, Alexander Peace, Rhys Binet, Connor Summerell, and Ryan Sheppard
10/09/25
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RAYNER AT LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE 2016, IMAGE: RWENDLAND
We Don't Need Rayner, We Need People Like Her
Contributor
Despite acting “with a dedicated and exemplary commitment to public service”, the sudden departure of Rayner from the high table of British politics came as no surprise.
I found myself conflicted. I had never quite seen the “talent and feistiness” that many saw, and I felt that some of her performances, understudying at PMQ’s, left me with a much deeper understanding of the ‘Trumpian weave’.
Yet, I was saddened. In many ways, I felt sorry for her. I truly appreciated the words of Davey when he commented that, “as a parent of a disabled child, I know the thing my wife and I worry most about is our son’s care after we have gone, so I can completely understand and trust that the Deputy Prime Minister was thinking about the same thing here”.
For Rayner, attempting to safeguard the future of her disabled teenage son, undoubtedly complicated her tax arrangements, but she is by no means alone in this. There are 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK, of whom 1.7 million provide more than 50 hours of unpaid work per week. While Rayner’s treatment may not be surprising, I am concerned that this crueller and colder treatment of those less fortunate is the cost of living in a country where Nigel Farage threatens to be the next Prime Minister.
Rayner had long been the subject of a right-wing media onslaught, perpetuated by a culture of misogyny and classism, but in another way, I welcome her resignation. It represents a rejection of Tory sleaze and a return to correct ministerial conduct.
Do we need Rayner? Perhaps not. Do we need politicians like her? Absolutely.
Rayner’s Resignation Creates Political Opportunities for Starmer
Alexander Peace
Contributor
“Rayner Resigns in Tax Row” is a headline that filled government supporters with dread. Another distraction, another stick for the opposition to wield. Yet politics in flux can bring opportunity as well as adversity.
As Blair once said after 9/11, “the kaleidoscope has been shaken. The pieces are in flux. Soon, they will settle again. Before they do, let us re-order this world around us”. While the scale is different, the principle is the same: moments of disruption can be used to reshape the political order. Starmer took that approach, using Rayner’s resignation to trigger a long-planned reshuffle. In doing so, he not only muted the fallout but also overshadowed Reform’s conference and reasserted control of the political narrative.
Now the focus is on a leaner, meaner top team: centred around the promotion of Shabana Mahmood, widely recognised as one of the most effective government ministers, with tough stances on the border and law and order that’ll make Farage blush. Other proven ministers have been moved into positions of significance, such as McFadden, who will now work to revive the government’s ambition for major welfare reform.
Far from a crippling blow, Rayner’s departure may have strengthened Starmer’s grip on the government machine. The test now is whether this new team can deliver.
VOTE LABOUR SIGN, IMAGE: SAMUEL REGAN-ASANTE
Labour Needs Figures Like Rayner
Editorial Director
Breaching ministerial responsibility, Rayner has been forced out of the British cabinet. A clearly sensible decision, as this emerging Labour cabinet wouldn’t want to be portrayed as one that seeks to break the ministerial code as a trend.
Rayner is a personality that the Labour Party needs, comparable to Prescott within Blair’s government. A northern representative with a clear working-class perspective, being a single mother at 16, she had an experience of life totally different from the elitist norm in Westminster. Contrasting what many believed this new Labour Party would be, i.e. a group that has rid itself of its proletarian roots, Rayner, as Deputy PM, worked hand in hand with the out-of-touch visage of Starmer.
The Deputy PM role felt purely like a PR job for Rayner. She was spotted vaping whilst out kayaking, enjoying a rosé whilst wearing a dry robe, and many similar escapades have given her a comedic media portrayal. What I can say, though, is that the reshuffling of Starmer’s cabinet to make Lammy Deputy PM is even more hilarious. He is an individual whom I can’t take seriously with his many comedic incidents and peculiar comments. For one, I am thankful to have him removed from his role as Foreign Secretary.
Losing Rayner Is a Tragedy, But Helps Take the Fight to Reform
Contributor
The loss of Rayner last week is a sad moment not only for this government but for the Labour movement as a whole. She was the ultimate Labour success story, having come from humble beginnings, and thanks to a myriad of Labour policies (such as Sure Start centres), she managed to reach the highest levels of power. It is a tragedy that her meteoric political rise has come to such an abrupt end.
Out of this crisis, however, a new opportunity has arisen for Starmer. His recent reshuffle has provided a fresh lick of paint to this harshly bruised government, offering hope to those of us who wish to see it succeed. The appointment of McFadden at the Department for Work and Pensions offers promise of a second attempt at radical and necessary welfare reform. Similarly, Mahmood’s ascent to Home Secretary gives us an opportunity to crush the gangs and get a grip on immigration, which is essential should we wish to relegate Farage to the history books.
REFORM UK LEADER FARAGE, IMAGE: LAURIE NOBLE
Rayner Has Reaped What She Sowed
Contributor
Rayner’s position became simply untenable. Whether it be the optics of a Housing Secretary missing £40,000 in stamp duty, or her unreasonable defence, which includes intervention from her conveyancers on the night before Sir Magnus’ investigation findings were published, stating that they never gave her tax advice.
But I have wider questions, ones the media have not really addressed. In particular, the use of her disabled son’s trust money, a trust set up in 2020 to manage the compensation he had been awarded and to look after his affairs, for the purchase of the flat in Hove at the centre of the controversy. Was this an appropriate use of these funds?
My final thought is that if this were a Tory minister, Rayner would have been the loudest voice in calling for their sacking or resignation. Rayner should have taken her own advice to others days earlier - it would have saved her from further reputational damage and scrutiny.
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