In a move that has set Westminster abuzz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on December 7, 2025, that Angela Rayner, his former deputy, will make a return to his cabinet. The news, revealed in an interview with The Observer, comes just three months after Rayner’s high-profile resignation over a tax scandal. Starmer’s endorsement of Rayner was unequivocal, calling her “hugely talented” and “the best social mobility story this country has ever seen.”
Rayner’s journey to the top echelons of British politics is nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in one of Stockport’s poorest council estates, she cared for her mother, who struggled with bipolar disorder, and became a mother herself at just 16. Despite these early challenges, Rayner rose through the Labour Party’s ranks, serving as deputy Labour leader, deputy prime minister, and housing secretary. Her rapid ascent made her a darling of the party’s soft-left and a symbol of working-class resilience.
However, Rayner’s political career hit a stumbling block in September 2025 when it emerged she had underpaid around £40,000 in stamp duty on a second property she purchased earlier in the year. The prime minister’s ethics adviser found she had breached the ministerial code, prompting her resignation. Since then, Rayner has remained a backbencher, continuing to represent Ashton-under-Lyne, but speculation about her return to frontline politics has only grown louder.
Starmer’s comments to The Observer were laced with both personal and political admiration. “Yes, of course I do. I was really sad that we lost her. As I said to her at the time, she’s going to be a major voice in the Labour movement,” he said. Asked directly whether Rayner would return to the cabinet, Starmer replied, “Yes. She’s hugely talented.” He also stressed that both Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have faced significant misogyny in their roles: “All politicians get quite a lot of abuse these days but for women it’s always worse.”
The prime minister’s robust endorsement was echoed by other senior figures. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden told Sky News, “I think Angela Rayner is great. I would welcome it, but it is a decision for the prime minister.” He added, “I think she’s an enormous talent. I’m a great admirer of Angela, but that question is up to the PM.”
Rayner’s departure from the cabinet had come at a time of turbulence for Labour. Reports swirled of a potential leadership challenge involving Rayner and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, but both parties have denied any such pact. For now, Rayner remains a key figure on the Labour backbenches, her future trajectory the subject of intense speculation as Starmer’s own popularity faces scrutiny.
Beyond the personal dynamics within Labour, the week’s political news has been dominated by the government’s bold new plan to tackle youth unemployment. The chancellor announced an £820 million package aimed at helping nearly one million young people move off benefits and into work. The scheme will fund 55,000 six-month placements in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and social care, and is expected to guarantee jobs in regions most in need, including Birmingham & Solihull, Greater Manchester, and Wales.
Yet, the plan has not been without its critics. Think tanks have warned that the scheme’s blunt approach could do more harm than good if it pushes young people into unsuitable or insecure jobs. Ben Harrison, director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, cautioned, “If reforms end up pushing young people into ‘any job’ under the threat of benefit sanctions, they may do more harm than good to their future work prospects.” He stressed the importance of connecting individuals to “good jobs with a living wage, job security and opportunities to progress.”
Other critics point to deeper structural issues in the UK economy, including the rise of automation and the replacement of entry-level jobs with AI systems, making it harder for young people—especially those still grappling with the after-effects of the pandemic—to secure stable employment. Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately argued on Sky News that Labour’s youth jobs and training plan is “the wrong answer,” blaming government tax policies for discouraging employers from hiring young people. “What we’ve seen today announced by the government is funding the best part of £1bn on work placements and government created jobs for young people. That sounds all very well. But the fact is … just two weeks ago, we had a budget from the chancellor, which is expected to destroy 200,000 jobs. A year ago, we had a budget from Labour which was destroying 150,000 jobs, and we know that the jobs are being particularly hit by Labour’s policies – like the jobs tax, that national insurance rise – are jobs for young people,” Whately said.
Pat McFadden, however, defended the government’s approach, emphasizing the need for a “youth guarantee package” to address rising numbers of young people not in education, employment, or training (Neet). “Young people haven’t had the attention that they deserve. I think there is something in that. That’s why I think this youth guarantee package is so important, because these numbers have been up for years and no one did anything about it,” he said on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme. McFadden also highlighted the government’s ambitious targets for building new houses and improving renters’ rights as part of a broader effort to support young people.
Meanwhile, the political landscape continues to shift. Zarah Sultana, co-founder of the new Your Party with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, called for “conversations around electoral alliances” to prevent Nigel Farage and the Reform UK party from gaining power. Internal conflicts have plagued Your Party since its formation, but Sultana insists the party is “moving forward” and committed to representing the working class and tackling inequality.
The week also saw renewed scrutiny of Nigel Farage’s past, with allegations of racist and antisemitic behavior during his school years resurfacing. Lady Kishwer Falkner, former head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, expressed confusion over Farage’s refusal to offer an unreserved apology for any distress caused, telling Sky News, “That would be the most genuine thing to say if he’s genuinely not a racist.” Farage has denied making any malicious comments, but the controversy continues to dog him and the Reform UK party.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Starmer is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German opposition leader Friedrich Merz in Downing Street to discuss ongoing negotiations mediated by the US. The meeting underscores the UK’s ongoing role in international diplomacy amid domestic political turbulence.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Angela Rayner’s anticipated return to the cabinet—a comeback that could reshape Labour’s fortunes and inject new energy into the party’s leadership. As Starmer put it, Rayner is “going to be a major voice in the Labour movement.” Whether her return will help steady the ship or spark further change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Rayner’s story is far from over.
