Overview

• She became the first Deputy Prime Minister to chair a Cabinet meeting since 2020, overseeing discussions on the Middle East conflict and a recent plane crash in India.
• Sir Keir Starmer signed a deal with US President Donald Trump at the G7 in Canada to cut trade barriers, but steel tariffs remain at 25 per cent.
• Rayner’s approval rating among Labour members jumped after she proposed tax increases to fund affordable housing.
• Her working relationship with Starmer has remained strained following policy disagreements over budget allocations and housing strategy.
• Party members now view Rayner as a potential successor to Starmer, boosting her profile within the Labour leadership.