The events of the past week have been heart-wrenching for the labour movement. Angela Rayner is not just a friend, she is a trailblazer: proof that whatever your start in life, you can rise to the very top through hard work, grit and a government that is willing to fight on the side of working people. She has been an inspiration to so many and a true force of nature. Our party and our government will be poorer without her around the cabinet table.

I am deeply grateful for the encouragement I have received from party members, colleagues and friends in recent days about the deputy leadership. To be considered a possible successor to Rayner is truly humbling.

That said, I will not be standing.

Labour was elected in 2024 to rebuild Britain – not simply to steady the ship, but to remake it completely. We need strong voices pushing for that renewal: on the economy, on workers’ rights and on the climate crisis. For me, that means remaining on the backbenches, where I can speak plainly and campaign boldly.

While the prime minister’s reshuffle has been described as a political reset, Britain now needs........

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