Britain on Friday saw a wave of resignations, government reshuffles, and the dismissal of House of Commons leader Lucy Powell, in what the opposition described as a new test for the Labour government, which is facing a “severe crisis.”
The turmoil began when Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned after admitting she failed to pay a property tax on a newly purchased home. She expressed deep regret for the mistake.
In her resignation letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Rayner wrote, “I deeply regret my decision not to seek further specialist tax advice. I take full responsibility for this error.” She added that, “Given the consequences and the impact on my family, I have decided to resign.”
Violating Rules
According to Reuters, there was little Starmer could do to shield his deputy after an independent British adviser ruled Rayner had violated ministerial standards by failing to pay the full tax owed.
Starmer said he was “deeply saddened that the government will lose you,” describing her as “a trusted colleague and true friend.” In a heartfelt message, he said he believed Rayner had made the right choice, though he recognized it was “a very painful decision for you.”
Rayner, 45, is now the eighth and most senior minister to leave Starmer’s team, and her departure is seen as the most damaging so far. It comes after Starmer had publicly backed her when she was first accused of trying to avoid paying the £40,000 ($54,000) tax bill.
The BBC reported that Foreign Secretary David Lammy was appointed as the new deputy prime minister, while The Guardian said that current Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will take Lammy’s place as foreign secretary.
Dismissals and Reshuffles
In another move, Starmer dismissed House of Commons leader Lucy Powell. On X, Powell wrote, “This has not been an easy period for the government. People are longing for change and an improvement in their difficult living conditions.”
Powell had first been appointed to the role — responsible for managing the government’s business in Parliament — following Labour’s sweeping election victory in July 2024.
Scottish Affairs Secretary Ian Murray also announced his departure from government in a statement on X.
With Labour now trailing Nigel Farage’s Reform Party in opinion polls, Starmer faces tough decisions on spending and taxation, while trying to restore the party’s standing amid accusations of hypocrisy. Critics have attacked him for accepting expensive gifts from donors, such as clothing and concert tickets.
Reform Party Conference
At the opening day of the Reform Party conference in Birmingham, Farage moved his speech forward by three hours to directly address Rayner’s resignation.
He said Labour was experiencing “a severe crisis” and suggested the next general election could come in 2027. He hinted Labour — despite holding a large majority — might call an early election out of fear of declining popularity.
For Starmer, losing his deputy is seen as a major blow. Rayner had played a key role in bridging Labour’s left and centrist wings, helping maintain party unity, while also enjoying greater personal appeal than the prime minister.
“A resignation is always a hard blow, especially Angie’s,” a Labour MP said. “But it’s clear she had to go.”
Source: Ai Yurae,Al Jazeera, Reuters, Agencies
