Party political offices 2020–2021

Chair of the Labour Party
In office 5 April 2020 – 8 May 2021
Leader	Keir Starmer
Preceded by	Ian Lavery
Succeeded by	Anneliese Dodds
Labour Party National Campaign Coordinator
In office 5 April 2020 – 8 May 2021
Leader	Keir Starmer
Preceded by	Ian Lavery Andrew Gwynne
Succeeded by	Shabana Mahmood

Shadow portfolios 2016–2024

Senior portfolios
2020–2024	Deputy Leader of the Opposition
2023–2024	Deputy Prime Minister
2023–2024	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
2021–2023	Duchy of Lancaster & Cabinet Office
2021–2023	Future of Work
2020–2023	First Secretary of State
2016–2020	Education
Junior portfolios
2016–2016	Women and Equalities
2016–2016	Pensions

Member of Parliament
for Ashton-under-Lyne

Incumbent

Assumed office
7 May 2015

Preceded by

David Heyes

Majority

6,791 (19.1%)

Personal details

Born

Angela Bowen

28 March 1980 (age 45)
Stockport, Greater Manchester, England

Political party

Labour

Children

Residences

Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester
Hove, East Sussex

Education

Avondale High School

Alma mater

Stockport College

Signature

Angela Rayner (born 28 March 1980) is a British politician. She served as the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government from July 2024 to September 2025. She was also the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party from 2020 to 2025. Since 2015, she has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashton-under-Lyne. She identifies as a socialist.

Rayner grew up in Stockport and left school at 16. She later trained in social care and worked as a care worker for her local council. She became a trade union representative for Unison before becoming an MP.

After Labour won the 2024 general election, Rayner became Deputy Prime Minister. She resigned from her government roles on 5 September 2025, following a report about her conduct.

Angela Rayner: A British Politician
Images for kids
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Angela Rayner: A British Politician

Early Life and Career Journey

Angela Bowen was born on 28 March 1980 in Stockport, Greater Manchester. She grew up on a council estate and her family faced challenges. She has mentioned that her grandmother worked very hard to support the family.

Rayner attended Avondale High School. She left school at age 16 and became a young mother without qualifications. Later, she studied part-time at Stockport College. She learned British Sign Language and earned a qualification in social care. She has spoken about how government programs helped her as a young mother.

Rayner worked as a care worker for Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council. She also became a trade union representative for Unison. She rose to be a senior official for Unison in the North West region. During this time, she joined the Labour Party.

Parliamentary Service and Roles

In 2014, Angela Rayner was chosen to represent the Labour Party for Ashton-under-Lyne. She was elected as an MP in the 2015 general election. She was the first woman to represent Ashton-under-Lyne in 183 years.

She was re-elected in the 2017 general election, the 2019 general election, and the 2024 general election.

Shadow Minister Responsibilities (2016–2024)

From 2016 to 2020, Rayner held several important roles in the Shadow Cabinet. These are roles where a politician prepares to take on government responsibilities if their party wins an election. She served as Shadow Secretary of State for Education. She supported the idea of a 'National Education Service' and more funding for early education.

Deputy Leader of the Labour Party (2020–2025)

Rayner speaking at a Labour Party event in Bristol.

In 2020, Rayner successfully ran for Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. She won the election on 4 April 2020, becoming the deputy leader.

After this, she was appointed Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow First Secretary of State. She also became a member of the Privy Council in 2021. Rayner often stood in for the Labour leader during Prime Minister's Questions.

In May 2021, she took on new roles as Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Shadow Secretary of State for the Future of Work. In September 2023, she was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and Shadow Deputy Prime Minister.

On 5 September 2025, Rayner resigned as Deputy Leader and from her ministerial position. This followed a report that found she had not followed certain rules regarding a property purchase.

Deputy Prime Minister Role (2024–2025)

Angela Rayner appointed as Deputy Prime Minister by Keir Starmer, July 2024.

After the Labour Party's big win in the 2024 general election, Rayner was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She also became Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 5 July 2024.

Rayner spoke out against the riots that happened in July and August 2024, stating there was "no excuse for thuggery." At the Labour Party Conference, she thanked the British people for trusting them to bring change.

As Deputy Prime Minister, she stood in for the Prime Minister during important parliamentary debates.

In July 2025, her membership with Unite was suspended during a disagreement with the government.

On 5 September 2025, Rayner resigned from her government roles, including Deputy Prime Minister. This happened after a report concluded she had not followed the Ministerial Code regarding a property. Her resignation led to changes in the government and a new election for the Labour Party's deputy leader.

Political Views and Beliefs

Rayner with Scottish First Minister John Swinney in Edinburgh, August 2024.

Angela Rayner describes herself as a socialist. She considers herself part of the "soft left" within the Labour Party. She has emphasized her practical approach to politics.

Rayner has strong views on law and order. She has spoken about her experiences with antisocial behaviour when she was younger.

She prefers to speak naturally in the House of Commons. She asked official transcribers not to correct her speeches, saying it reflects who she is.

Rayner visiting a charity that helps people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh, August 2024.

In 2019, Rayner supported the WASPI campaign. This campaign sought fair treatment for women affected by changes to the state pension age.

She is a member of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East. She has spoken about human rights issues concerning Palestinians.

In October 2020, Rayner apologized for using strong language towards another MP in Parliament. She later apologized again in 2021 for similar comments, especially after the tragic death of an MP. She explained that she wanted to bring passion to politics but understood the need for respectful debate.

Rayner with Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar, September 2024.

Rayner voted to remain in the European Union during the 2016 Brexit referendum. However, she also voted to start the process of leaving the EU, believing in respecting the democratic vote.

She supports transgender rights, stating they do not conflict with women's rights.

After the death of George Floyd, Rayner supported the Black Lives Matter movement. She participated in a symbolic gesture of kneeling alongside other politicians.

Rayner with regional mayors, 10 October 2024

Recognitions and Achievements

In December 2024, Angela Rayner was included in the BBC 100 Women 2024 list. This list highlights "100 inspiring and influential women from around the world."

Personal Life and Family

Angela Rayner has three children. She became a mother at age 16. She has spoken about how having her son helped her focus and gave her purpose. She became a grandmother at 37, jokingly calling herself "Grangela."

She has highlighted the importance of the National Health Service (NHS). This was especially true after her son Charlie received care following his premature birth.

Rayner has faced challenges, including receiving threatening messages. She has taken steps to ensure her safety and the safety of her constituents.

Images for kids

MP portrait, 2020
Cabinet portrait, 2024

Angela Rayner facts for kids

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