Power Play: Rishi Sunak Claims Angela Rayner is the True Leader of Labour Amid Diane Abbott Candidacy Controversy

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claims that the controversy surrounding Diane Abbott's eligibility to run for Labour indicates that Angela Rayner is the true leader of the party. He argues that this situation highlights Sir Keir Starmer's tendency to frequently alter his decisions.

Political correspondent @Journoamrogers

Friday, May 31, 2024, 7:

Rishi Sunak has stated that the choice to allow Diane Abbott to represent Labour in the upcoming general election indicates that Angela Rayner, Sir Keir Starmer's deputy, is the actual leader of the party.

The prime minister stated that the controversy surrounding Ms. Abbott, who Sir Keir has now declared "free" to represent Labour, simply reinforces existing perceptions about Keir Starmer.

Addressing journalists in Bury, Mr. Sunak commented that the Labour leader frequently shifts his positions, noting, "It’s evident that Angela Rayner is the one leading his party, not him."

Breaking news on the general election: Abbott issues official response after dispute over nomination

Earlier this week, Ms. Abbott, the inaugural black female Member of Parliament, had the Labour Party whip restored, potentially clearing her path to be the party's candidate in her London constituency of Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Last year, after making comments that Jewish, Irish, and Traveller communities face prejudice but not racism, she was suspended from the Labour Party and had to serve as an independent in the Commons. She subsequently issued an apology for these remarks.

Speculation about her career prospects persisted following a report by The Times indicating that she was prohibited from contesting her seat for Labour, a position she has maintained since 1987.

After continuous inquiries about Ms. Abbott's career prospects, Sir Keir stated that "no decision" has yet been made regarding her potential exclusion, noting that the final decision rests with the Labour Party's governing body, the National Executive Committee (NEC).

In a subsequent discussion with Sky News, Ms. Rayner expressed her belief that there was no apparent reason preventing Ms. Abbott from pursuing a position as a Labour MP, thereby increasing the pressure on Sir Keir.

Speaking to Beth Rigby on the Sky News Daily Podcast, she confirmed, "Yes, she has undergone the necessary procedures… she has issued an apology, and to my knowledge, the matter has been resolved."

The party whip has informed her that she has been reinstated as a member of the Parliamentary Labour Party.

"There's no reason she shouldn't be able to serve as a Labour MP."

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Ms. Rayner also voiced criticism towards the initial article in The Times, which claimed that Ms. Abbott would not receive Labour's endorsement for the Hackney North seat should she decide to run again.

"Anonymous briefings are what concern me," stated Ms. Rayner.

"Keir truly detests them… he has no tolerance for anything that appears tacky. That's just not in his nature, so I'm certain he shares my frustration with these briefings.

"It benefits no one and shows great disrespect towards Diane."

The leader of the Labour Party commended the longstanding member of parliament for being a pioneer upon declaring her candidacy for re-election, noting that she had paved the way for others to enter the realm of politics and public service.

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However, the Conservatives have capitalized on hints of a divide between Sir Keir and his deputy.

Richard Holden, the Conservative chairman, posted a photo on Twitter showing both individuals kneeling in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, a gesture from 2020.

"He asserted on X that Angela Rayner's true intention was evident; she was instructing Sir Keir on how to show deference to her as the first woman to lead the Labour Party."

"Kudos to Angela Rayner for convincing Sir Keir to make yet another policy reversal."

Learn more: Starmer justifies using a private jet to reveal new energy initiatives. Analysis: Abbott incident was a needless mistake.

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Mr. Sunak reiterated the point, stating to journalists, "If he has conceded to Angela Rayner on this issue, think about the concessions he might make regarding the unions' calls for increased taxes or even compromising our national defense and security."

Ms. Abbott has stated that she will refrain from commenting until she receives formal approval from the party's governing National Executive Committee (NEC) next week.

However, she mentioned to Sky News that "the story does seem optimistic."

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