Rayner's allies say probe into her tax affairs to conclude before local elections'

"Allies of Angela Rayner are said to be becoming increasingly confident that an HMRC probe into her tax affairs will be resolved before the May local elections, seen by many as the moment where Sir Keir Starmer is most likely to be ousted. The ongoing inquiry was seen to be the main barrier to Ms Rayner returning to frontline politics, as questions remained over her finances."

"The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne resigned as housing secretary and deputy prime minister last year after a row over her underpayment of stamp duty on a new property. She has since been widely seen as a potential successor to Sir Keir amid rumblings of a leadership challenge in the face of devastating approval ratings and questions over the direction of the government."

Angela Rayner's political future may hinge on the resolution of an HMRC investigation into her tax affairs. Allies report growing confidence the probe will conclude before May local elections, a critical moment when Sir Keir Starmer faces potential leadership challenges. Rayner resigned as housing secretary and deputy prime minister following a stamp duty underpayment dispute on a property purchase. The ongoing inquiry has prevented her return to frontline politics. If resolved before the elections, the investigation's conclusion could strengthen Rayner's position as a potential successor to Starmer, who faces declining approval ratings and internal party dissatisfaction regarding government direction.

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