Labour insiders say senior figures tried to broker deal between Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner
According to reports, allies of Wes Streeting are trying to recruit ousted Angela Rayner to support him in a leadership contest in exchange for a Cabinet position and reinstatement as Deputy Prime Minister.
Many Labour figures have reported that the offer has been made by Streeting’s supporters, allowing the Health Secretary to deny personal involvement.
According to the Telegraph, Ms. Rayner has discussed the offer with her own allies.
Despite the reports, a Streeting spokesperson called the story a "silly season" tale, and Rayner allies insist there was "no pact" between the pair.
Wes Streeting has long been rumored to covet the Labour leadership and was forced last month to deny he was plotting to oust Sir Keir Starmer.
Leadership speculation has continued to persist in Westminster, with Labour languishing at 18 percent after backlash to the Budget.
Any attempt by Streeting to replace Sir Keir would likely be complicated given his unpopularity among Labour members.
Ms. Rayner, who is on the Left of the party, has a vast amount of support within the Labour faithful.
Her support could help Streeting secure the backing of the membership, who would have the final say in a leadership battle.
One Rayner supporter told The Telegraph: “There have been huge overtures, including very senior-level party people, basically wanting to broker a peace deal. She knows he would lose if she stood against him. He knows that too. That’s why they’re reaching out.
“His senior people in the party have said ‘this is the offer’. The offer is she can come back and have any job in the Cabinet she chooses.”
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