Rayner tipped as new Labour leader

It has been a rapid rise to the top of the Labour party for Angela Rayner who is now being named among the front runners to become the new leader.

She was selected to become Labour’s candidate for the seat in 2014, after the retirement of David Heyes who stepped down for health reasons. 

She subsequently won the seat at the 2015 general election, increasing both the Labour majority and its share of the vote in the constituency at the time. 

In the 2017 general election held on Thursday, June 8, 2017, she not only successfully defended her seat, but increased both the Labour majority and vote share again.

Back in July, 2016, after a series of resignations from the Shadow Cabinet, she was appointed to the position of Shadow Secretary of State for Education.

Even though she left school at 16 with no qualifications, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he could not think of anyone better qualified to tackle the education system.

As shadow education secretary she has championed the policy of a ‘National Education Service’, to be modelled along similar lines to the NHS, as well as promoting an increase in funding to early years education.

She was named even before last week’s general election as a potential leader of her party, and has now been listed again following Jeremy Corbyn’s announcement that he will ultimately step down following last week’s disastrous results - although it is also being suggested she might become deputy leader.

In a post on social media this week the Ashton MP also paid tribute to former MP Dennis Skinner, one of the big Labour names to lose their seats.

Angela said: “Dennis inspired me to become an MP and l will encourage and support many more working class people to become MPs too, his legacy will continue...”

She added: “I will miss Dennis, I will miss his true friendship and wise counsel, it has been a great honour to serve with Dennis in the 2015 and 2017 Parliaments. 

“I don’t often say the word “legend” but in political terms it is deserved in Dennis Skinner’s case. 

“He was a true working class hero always dedicated to the cause of workers and those who face extreme poverty.” 

The veteran Labour politician, 87, had held the Derbyshire seat of Bolsover since 1970.

Other major names to lose their seats were rising star Laura Piddock, also named as a potential new Labour leader herself, but who lost the North West Durham seat - held by Labour since the constituency was created.