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Angela Rayner has hinted at a comeback to frontline politics as she insisted she is “not dead yet”. The former deputy prime minister also reportedly said that Labour’s leadership should “do better”.

Ms Rayner, who quit as deputy PM and housing secretary in a row over her tax affairs, made the remarks at a private fundraising dinner last week. Her comments come as Sir Keir Starmer is facing intense speculation over his future ahead of the May elections which are expected to be a bloodbath for Labour.

According to the Times, Ms Rayner said Labour “should be humble enough to accept when we’ve made mistakes”.

She added: “We should do better, and we should do more.”

The former Cabinet minister said she wanted to help Labour fight Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

And in a sign she hopes to return to frontline politics, she added: “And I’m still fighting. I’m not dead yet.”

Some 80 MPs are prepared to back Ms Rayner in a leadership contest, should one occur after May’s elections, her allies told the Times.

Her comments have come to light after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a potential challenger to Sir Keir, was blocked from running for a Westminster return.

The Prime Minister is facing fury from some within Labour over the decision to prevent Mr Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.