Angela Rayner is set to release her long-awaited autobiography, promising an “authentic” account of her journey from working-class beginnings to the Cabinet.
The book comes at a time when speculation is rife about Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership and Rayner’s own political ambitions.
But even before the memoir hits shelves, former Conservative deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft has urged her to address lingering questions about her housing arrangements.
The Controversy Over Two Homes
The debate stems from Rayner’s property history.
Lord Ashcroft highlighted in his biography last year that she made a £48,500 profit on an ex-council house purchased in 2007 under the right-to-buy scheme—a policy she now aims to reform.
She earned the nickname “Two Homes Rayner” after revelations surfaced that she had moved between this property and another council home early in her marriage.
Neighbours claimed she rented out one house while living in the other.
A police investigation later confirmed that no criminal activity had occurred, but the public interest in her property dealings remained.
Lord Ashcroft Calls for Clarity
Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Lord Ashcroft said Rayner had failed to answer “straightforward questions” regarding conflicting information in public records.
He added that instead of responding directly, a Labour spokesperson had attacked him personally while wrongly accusing him of smearing her.
“I look forward to reading in Angela Rayner’s forthcoming autobiography a full account of her living arrangements and property interests going back to 2007,” Ashcroft stated.
He emphasized that his previous book had relied solely on facts from public documents and had not contained accusations or smears, noting that while questions were legitimate, satisfactory answers were not provided.
What This Means for Rayner
With her ghostwritten memoir now underway, many are waiting to see whether Rayner will finally provide clarity on her housing situation.
The autobiography could potentially address unanswered questions and offer insight into her personal and political life—while also shaping the narrative ahead of her future leadership aspirations.
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