The political drama inside the Labour Party is heating up as Angela Rayner finds herself at the center of serious accusations.
Reports have surfaced suggesting that her allies might be orchestrating a plan to challenge the current Prime Minister’s leadership.
According to insiders, Rayner’s camp is quietly working on an alternative government programme, reportedly funded by unions and led by her boyfriend, Sam Tarry.
A ‘Think-Tank’ Seen as a Launchpad for Leadership Ambitions
Senior figures within Labour say they have been approached by people close to Rayner with invitations to contribute to a new ‘think-tank’.
This group is said to be focused on promoting a stronger centre-Left agenda within government, but many see it as a vehicle for Rayner’s ambitions to take over the party leadership.
The think-tank is expected to be run by Sam Tarry, who once served as Labour MP for Ilford South before losing his seat in 2022.
Denials and Public Power Struggles
A source close to Rayner has firmly denied the rumors, calling them “absolute nonsense.”
Yet, these claims come after a tense week where Rayner publicly clashed with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
She’s been pushing a Left-wing agenda hard, especially after a leaked memo revealed she suggested raising taxes on savers and wealthy earners while cutting child benefits for middle-class families.
Internal Labour Tensions Reach Boiling Point
A senior Labour insider described the new think-tank as a hub for Rayner’s leadership campaign, calling it “the start of a coup.”
Rayner is increasingly seen as the figurehead for MPs who oppose the Government’s planned welfare reforms — including controversial plans to scrap winter fuel payments.
With up to 170 Labour MPs reportedly ready to rebel against these reforms, this poses a real threat to Starmer’s huge Commons majority.
Rising Star Among Labour Voters and MPs
Among Labour supporters, Rayner stands out alongside Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as a serious contender to succeed Starmer.
Meanwhile, other potential leaders like Health Secretary Wes Streeting are considered outsiders in the leadership race.
Rayner’s pushback against Cabinet targets — especially her repeated threats to resign over the government’s ambitious plan to build 1.5 million new homes — signals just how far she’s willing to go.
Local Elections and Growing Pressure
Her rise in prominence has been fueled by this month’s local election results, which showed Nigel Farage’s Reform UK making big gains in Labour strongholds — including Rayner’s own seat of Ashton-under-Lyne.
Labour’s slump in popularity is historic, with polls showing the party trailing Reform by up to ten points.
This growing unease is also about more than just politics — there’s a cultural clash brewing.
Cultural Divide Within Labour
Allies of Rayner say part of the drama stems from resentment toward Starmer’s London-based inner circle, which some describe as “patronising.”
Many of Labour’s 400-plus MPs are now worried about their chances in the next General Election and are looking toward Rayner’s working-class, authentic image as a way to reconnect with voters.
This contrasts sharply with the metropolitan vibe of Starmer and his team.
Testing the Waters for a Leadership Bid
Rayner’s team has been busy organizing focus groups to gauge her chances in a leadership contest.
Feedback so far suggests she needs to prove she’s a “serious politician” capable of leading the party.
Interest in her ambitions intensified last year when four suspicious domain names hinting at her running for Prime Minister were registered — though Labour denied any connection.
Personal Life Under the Spotlight
Adding to the intrigue, Rayner’s relationship with Sam Tarry has also attracted attention.
The couple officially reunited last year after being linked for some time.
Tarry, once a shadow transport minister, was sacked by Starmer in 2022 for giving an unauthorized TV interview from a rail picket line.
Controversies have followed them, including an undeclared holiday paid for by a wealthy Labour donor and the public revelation of their relationship when Tarry was photographed leaving Rayner’s home.
What Lies Ahead for Labour and Rayner?
Labour is clearly in turmoil, with deep divisions and leadership tensions playing out publicly.
As Rayner pushes her agenda and builds support among discontented MPs and voters, the coming months could be pivotal.
Whether this alleged ‘coup’ will come to anything remains to be seen — but one thing’s certain: the battle for Labour’s future leadership is well and truly underway.