Labour Sources Claim Angela Rayner Will Return as Deputy and Secure Senior Cabinet Role if Andy Burnham Launches Leadership Campaign in Westminster

Talk of shifting alliances is heating up within the Labour Party as speculation grows around potential leadership challenges.

At the center of the buzz is Angela Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister, who sources claim has reached an agreement to join forces with Andy Burnham should he decide to launch a bid to replace the Prime Minister.

Rayner’s Role and the “Deal”

According to insiders, Rayner’s support would come with the promise of returning to her old role as Deputy Prime Minister, along with a senior Cabinet position, though the specifics remain unclear.

Labour MPs backing Burnham, the Manchester mayor affectionately dubbed the “King of the North,” have suggested that this arrangement is all but sealed.

Burnham’s Search for a Safe Seat

For Burnham to mount a serious challenge, he needs a secure Labour seat in the North to enter the Commons.

Reports suggest that his team has identified a seat expected to become available soon, giving Burnham a strong chance of winning.

While the exact constituency hasn’t been publicly confirmed, speculation points to safe seats in Liverpool and the Manchester seat currently held by Andrew Gwynne, who is suspended from Labour for sending racist and sexist messages.

Gwynne has indicated he does not intend to step aside.

Talks with Liverpool MPs

Burnham reportedly approached Liverpool Walton MP Dan Carden, whose majority stands at 20,245, about the possibility of vacating his seat.

However, sources indicate these discussions failed to make any headway.

Despite this, Rayner’s backing would significantly strengthen Burnham’s position, as she maintains strong support among Labour members eligible to vote in a leadership contest.

Implications for Other Leadership Contenders

A Labour MP close to Burnham described the supposed deal, saying, “My understanding is that the deal has been done.

Angie would go back to being deputy and get a plum Cabinet job.”

If true, this would deliver a blow to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, whose allies reportedly tried a joint approach to Rayner.

Northern Ties and Strategic Moves

Some senior Labour figures have expressed concern about the optics of a Northern-centric ticket, with both Burnham and Rayner hailing from the North West.

However, this could be addressed if Rayner pursued a “chicken run” to a safe Southern seat near her £800,000 flat in Hove, shielding her from potential electoral threats in Ashton-under-Lyne from the Reform Party.

Mixed Signals and Denials

Despite the swirling rumors, Rayner’s team insists there’s no formal pact.

A spokesperson reportedly said, “There is no vacancy and there is no pact.”

Likewise, Burnham’s office dismissed reports of any deal or outreach to sitting MPs as “rubbish.”

Meanwhile, Rayner has reportedly resisted Sir Keir Starmer’s offer to return as Education Secretary.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also subtly warned Burnham to honor his term as mayor, stating, “He said when he stood for mayor that he would serve a full term and I think that is the right thing to do.”

What’s Next?

With all the speculation, the coming weeks could be decisive for Labour’s leadership landscape.

Will Burnham make his move, and will Rayner’s backing materialize into a formal alliance?

Party insiders and members alike will be watching closely for the next steps in this evolving political drama.