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Angela Rayner has issued a stark warning about the future of the Labour Party, cautioning that its very survival could be at risk if the current leadership fails to deliver meaningful change. Her remarks have drawn backing from Andy Burnham, highlighting growing concern within the party over its direction under Keir Starmer.
Speaking at an event in London, Rayner urged Labour not to “go through the motions” as support declines, stressing that the party must urgently demonstrate real progress to voters. She warned that time is running out to reconnect with the public and deliver the change people expected.
Burnham echoed her concerns, saying he understood her frustrations and that Labour would benefit from listening to her perspective. His comments are likely to be seen as part of a broader push from within the party to shift its agenda, particularly as it braces for potentially heavy losses in upcoming local elections.
The Greater Manchester mayor also pointed to dissatisfaction expressed during the recent Gorton and Denton by-election, a traditionally safe Labour seat that was unexpectedly won by the Greens. Burnham had hoped to stand in that contest but was prevented from doing so by party leadership.
Rayner’s speech marked her most significant intervention since stepping down from Starmer’s frontbench team last year. Despite now sitting on the backbenches, she continues to wield considerable influence within Labour ranks.
A key point of tension remains immigration policy. Rayner criticized proposals to extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years, describing the move as “un-British” and out of step with core values. Burnham also questioned aspects of the government’s approach, suggesting her comments reflected broader moral concerns, though he acknowledged that net migration figures have begun to fall.
Responding on behalf of the government, Nick Thomas-Symonds said ministers share Rayner’s frustration over the pace of change but rejected the idea that the government lacks direction. He emphasized that there is a clear commitment across the administration to deliver results more quickly.
Thomas-Symonds also defended immigration reforms introduced by Shabana Mahmood, arguing they strike a balance between fairness and border security. When pressed on Rayner’s leadership potential, he declined to engage, insisting there is “no vacancy” at the top of the party.
The exchange underscores mounting internal tensions within Labour as it navigates declining support and increasing scrutiny ahead of key electoral tests.
