Westminster never runs short of drama, and the latest round of political gossip has mixed heartfelt tributes, sly ambition, and even a few celebrity one-liners.
With Angela Rayner stepping down from the Cabinet, colleagues and rivals alike are already positioning themselves for what comes next.
Streeting’s Praise With a Side of Ambition
When Angela Rayner finally handed in her resignation, one of the most glowing tributes came from Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
He called her a “trailblazer for working-class kids,” saying she had achieved more in a year than most politicians manage in a lifetime.
It was the kind of praise that union leaders, who have always backed Rayner, were delighted to hear
. But many noted the timing — and what it might mean.
Streeting, the bookmakers’ favourite to take over as Labour leader, is not exactly shy about his ambitions.
And yet, when it mattered most during Prime Minister’s Questions last week, his support was a little less visible.
Instead of joining Rayner on the frontbench, he lingered by the Speaker’s chair, quietly watching before slipping out after just ten minutes.
Piers Morgan Flirts With Politics
While Streeting weighs his leadership chances, another familiar face has been cheekily hinting at life in No 10 — Piers Morgan.
Speaking on a podcast, the TV firebrand joked about his frequent stays at The Carlyle Hotel in New York, where staff gave him a gold-lettered pillowcase embroidered with “PM.” His response? “PM for PM!”
With typical bravado, Morgan quipped that after Boris Johnson, “it couldn’t be a lot worse.” The jury, of course, may disagree.
Trouble for the Greens?
Elsewhere in politics, new Green Party leader Zack Polanski surprised some supporters.
In his first email to members, he didn’t mention climate change or the environment at all. Instead, his focus was on the “dangers” posed by Reform UK.
For a party founded on green issues, it raised eyebrows — and a few predictions of trouble ahead.
Trump’s Nickname Game
Over in Washington, Donald Trump has reportedly coined a nickname for Lord Mandelson, long known as a master of political spin.
In his role as UK ambassador, Mandelson has earned the moniker “Sneaky Pete” from the former U.S. president. Enough said.
A Caribbean Sight to Remember
Writer and former Tory MP Gyles Brandreth shared a lighter anecdote from a trip to Jamaica with his wife Michele.
Standing on the beach, they spotted what looked like a frail old woman approaching.
It turned out to be none other than Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.
Rayner’s Thatcher Connection
Angela Rayner’s resignation letter credited the last Labour government for giving her the security of a council house.
What she didn’t mention was that she personally benefited from Margaret Thatcher’s Right to Buy scheme.
Thanks to a 25% discount, she later made a tax-free profit of nearly £49,000 when she sold the property.
Corbyn’s New Recruit
And finally, Jeremy Corbyn’s new political project — still unnamed — has picked up a rather colourful member: his brother Piers.
Known for his conspiracy theories, Piers announced he had joined and urged his brother to campaign for banning vaccines and digital IDs.
Probably not the kind of attention Jeremy was hoping for as he tries to launch his new outfit.