Ros Wynne-Jones pens the Real Britain column weekly for the Daily Mirror, advocating against government austerity measures and championing the cause of everyday citizens.
The indicators were evident as Angela Rayner made her way to Downing Street on July 5 last year, clad in a casual spearmint trouser suit from Me+Em. Shortly after the dawn of a new administration, Rayner, a former care worker who became pregnant at 16 and hails from a background where her mother lacked literacy skills, was poised to be appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
While applauded by working-class women nationwide, her significant achievement was met with scorn by some. Criticisms centered around her suit being too vibrant, excessively loose, too costly for a working-class individual, and deemed ‘ghastly’ – likening her appearance to that of a clown.
Following years of the jovial Prime Minister Boris, often seen in unkempt attire, the critique was particularly sharp. Rather than focusing on her attire, the criticism was fundamentally about Rayner not conforming to expectations. This outspoken working-class woman, daring to aspire beyond her perceived social stratum, was seen as intruding on territory where she didn’t belong.
Despite facing detractors from the outset, Rayner remained resilient. Having once harbored fears of being placed in care and being told she would never amount to much after leaving school, she persevered to become the first female MP in the 180-year history of her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency.
Rayner’s personal history embodies the core values of the Labour Party. From being a young caregiver for her mother with bipolar disorder, to attributing her success to the Sure Start program introduced during the 1997 Labour government, she symbolizes the party’s ethos. Her advocacy for Labour’s flagship workers’ rights legislation has earned her both admiration and opposition, even before the fallout from the Partygate scandal had settled.
Facing scrutiny for various personal choices, including attending Glyndebourne, tax payment concerns related to the sale of her council house, and public actions like dancing in Ibiza, Rayner found herself under intense public and political scrutiny.
Amidst the controversy surrounding her property holdings and stamp duty issues, Rayner’s explanation, citing her disabled child’s welfare as the driving force behind her decisions, resonated with many parents navigating similar challenges.
Despite the ongoing challenges and criticisms, Rayner’s authenticity and relatability with her life experiences continue to make her a formidable figure in UK politics, drawing both support and backlash from various quarters. Her resilience and commitment to her beliefs underscore her significance within the Labour Party and beyond.
In the realm of politics, where authenticity is often sought but complexities are scrutinized, Rayner stands as a real, imperfect figure on a grand stage, embodying a blend of personal struggles and political prowess.
Losing Rayner could potentially sever Labour’s connection with its working-class base and diminish its claim as the party of the people. While critics may vilify her, the reality remains that Rayner could be a likely successor to Keir Starmer, wielding considerable influence within the party and beyond, much to the chagrin of her detractors.
