Angela Rayner is the leading contender to become Health Secretary in Andy Burnham's new government, tasked with an £18 billion national care service reform. The former Deputy PM's political future hangs in the balance amid cabinet speculation.
Angela Rayner is poised for a significant political resurgence as she is strongly considered for the role of Health Secretary under Andy Burnham's anticipated premiership.
Burnham, who was recently elected unopposed as leader of the Labour Party, is set to assume office as Prime Minister following Sir Keir Starmer's formal resignation. A central plank of Burnham's agenda is expected to be a comprehensive policy drive, with major reforms to England's social care system forming a cornerstone. Rayner, who has personal experience as a former care worker, would be charged with the monumental task of overhauling this system.
Reports suggest a substantial £18 billion has been allocated to establish a national care service, signaling a historic level of investment. This initiative will be heavily influenced by an ongoing review into social care, currently led by Baroness Casey of Blackstock. Originally scheduled for publication in 2028, the review's timeline has been dramatically accelerated at Burnham's request, with indications suggesting recommendations will be delivered by the end of the year.
This accelerated pace aligns with the urgency of the proposed reforms. Rayner's potential appointment marks a dramatic comeback after her recent resignation from government. She stepped down as Deputy Prime Minister following an inquiry that determined she had inadvertently breached the ministerial code by not securing proper expert tax advice, a situation that also involved a £40,000 unpaid stamp duty bill.
A source described to the Daily Telegraph indicates that Burnham's inner circle is actively preparing to 'line up' Rayner to spearhead the social care overhaul. Burnham has maintained deliberate ambiguity regarding his final cabinet lineup, stating only that it will aim to 'reflect all parts of our party', leaving many senior positions subject to intense speculation and late-stage maneuvering within the Labour Party. The broader cabinet speculation extends beyond the Health brief.
The current Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, had long been the favourite for the Chancellorship. However, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has recently emerged as the leading contender for the United Kingdom's top economic job. Other key roles are also being contested. Jonathan Reynolds is a strong candidate to return as Business Secretary, and Louise Haigh, a former Transport Secretary, may be appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Perhaps the most sensational rumour is the potential return of David Miliband, the elder brother of Ed, to frontline politics as Foreign Secretary. David Miliband served as Foreign Secretary during the New Labour era and was the front-runner to succeed Gordon Brown in 2010 before losing the leadership contest to his brother. His recent public pledge of support for Burnham's devolution agenda has fueled speculation.
For him to return immediately, a route via a peerage into the House of Lords, similar to Lord Cameron's appointment by Rishi Sunak, is a distinct possibility. Among the newer intake of MPs, Burnham's key ally Anneliese Midgley is tipped to become chief whip.
Furthermore, economist Miatta Fahnbulleh, who notably was an early advocate for Sir Keir Starmer's resignation following poor local election results, could be elevated to a secretary of state position at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The complete cabinet is scheduled for announcement on Monday, concluding the pre-appointment frenzy
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