PREVIEW

Starmer’s Heir Apparent Angela Rayner Faces Tax Probe as Leadership Speculation Grows. Angela Rayner, widely seen as a potential successor to Keir Starmer, is attempting a political comeback after resigning as deputy prime minister over a tax scandal. Rayner stepped down in September after underpaying tax on a second home, later admitting she should have paid a higher rate following expert advice. Britain’s tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs, is still investigating whether she failed to take “reasonable care,” leaving her political future in limbo. Allies say she cannot realistically launch a leadership bid until the HMRC probe is resolved and any fine or repayment is settled. Despite the scandal, Rayner has regained influence within Labour’s “soft left,” brokering compromises with Downing Street on workers’ and leaseholders’ rights. Her return comes as Starmer faces mounting pressure, including fallout from the Peter Mandelson-Jeffrey Epstein controversy that has shaken his leadership. Potential rivals, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, are also positioning themselves for a future leadership contest. Rayner is preparing for multiple scenarios, saving funds to settle any tax bill and working on a memoir, while waiting for HMRC’s decision to determine her next move.
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