Angela Rayner has been appointed as the shadow levelling up secretary as part of Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet reshuffle.
Rayner, who is also the party’s deputy leader, will go head-to-head on policy with current levelling up secretary Michael Gove, who is currently on his second term at the helm of the department having overseen the response to Grenfell and the ensuing building safety crisis.
Rayner, if Labour came into government, would take over these same responsibilities for housing and more. Starmer said he was putting his “strongest possible players on the pitch” ahead of the anticipated general election next year.
The new levelling up secretary is the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne and identifies as a socialist and part of Labour’s “soft left”. It is unclear as of yet what her housing policy will look like.
She replaces Lisa Nandy, who has been demoted to shadow international development minister.
I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, in addition to Shadow Deputy Prime Minister and strategic lead for delivering the New Deal.
Together, this agenda will make our country fairer and more secure for all.
— Angela Rayner ? (@AngelaRayner) September 4, 2023
Keir Starmer commented:
“This reshuffle answers a central question, which is, I think, that Britain deserves a government that wakes up every morning absolutely determined to solve the challenges we have and to take our country forward.
I think what is important is to recognise that with this reshuffle we now have the strongest possible players on the pitch for what is going to be a crucial part of the journey.”
One Response
Great news.
I look forward to her bringing in legislation to:
1 amend and so improve the 400 page plus Building Safety Act;
2 abolish the nearly 1000 year old system of leaseholds; and
3 undertake a complete overhaul of the UK Planning system-
all within 100 days of Labour gaining office.
Seriously?