𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Angela Rayner’s resignation as Labour’s deputy leader has triggered a contest which may hand Sir Keir Starmer an even bigger political problem than the one he thought he had solved. The election for deputy leader will take place later this year after Ms Rayner stepped down on Friday following revelations about unpaid stamp duty on her East Sussex property. Nominations will be opened once Labour MPs have agreed on a shortlist of candidates.

So far, only Emily Thornberry has publicly confirmed she is considering standing. The Islington South MP told the BBC she was “thinking about it” after criticising the Prime Minister’s leadership style, saying he had become “too isolated” in Downing Street. But attention within the party has already turned to other potential contenders, some of whom could create far greater difficulties for Sir Keir if they succeed.

Senior figures believe the most disruptive outcome would be a victory for Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader who now serves as Energy Secretary. In surveys carried out by the website Labourlist, he consistently ranks among the most popular ministers among Labour members. His high standing with the grassroots reflects strong support for his environmental policies, which include ambitious net zero targets that have previously clashed with concerns raised by the Treasury.

Mr Miliband has conceded ground on some issues, such as backing a third runway at Heathrow, but remains resistant to watering down climate commitments. If elected deputy leader, he would gain a personal mandate from party members and an enhanced platform within government, increasing the risk of tensions with No 10 over economic priorities.

Another possible candidate is Louise Haigh, the former transport secretary.

She was removed from the Cabinet last November after it emerged that she had pleaded guilty to a fraud offence more than a decade earlier.

Supporters argued she had been treated unfairly and stressed her importance as a northern voice in a London-dominated government.

Earlier this year, she played a prominent role in the rebellion over welfare reforms, which forced ministers to reverse their policy.

Rosena Allin-Khan, who came second to Ms Rayner in the 2020 deputy leadership contest, is also weighing a fresh bid.

The Tooting MP resigned from the frontbench in 2023 in protest at the use of private providers in the NHS and has since criticised the Government’s approach to Gaza and welfare reform.

She is seen as popular with the grassroots Left, although her ability to reach the ballot may be limited by the requirement to secure the support of one-fifth of Labour MPs.

Despite her resignation,Ms Rayner herself has not been ruled out as a candidate.

Colleagues have noted her continued popularity among MPs and members, with polling regularly placing her behind only Mr Miliband.

A return bid would raise questions about Labour’s approach to parliamentary standards, but it remains a possibility.

The timetable for the contest will be confirmed at the party’s conference later this month.