Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP

Angela Rayner is a former Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. A central figure in Labour’s return to power after more than a decade in opposition, she is respected for her authenticity, directness and ability to connect with audiences across political and social divides. Her open, frank style stands out in an era of guarded or polarised political debate, and represents a form of leadership rooted in experience, empathy and conviction.

Leaving school at 16 with no formal qualifications, Angela became a mother as a teenager, began working as a domiciliary carer and lived in council housing. There she became a trade union representative with Unison, later serving as the union’s senior elected leader in North West England. She attended a local college, trained in professional social care, and learned British Sign Language. Her experiences in frontline public service shaped her enduring belief in opportunity, fairness and the importance of community.

Angela also joined the Labour Party and within a decade, was elected to Parliament. After less than a year as an MP she joined the Labour frontbench as Shadow Education Secretary, before being elected Deputy Leader of the party. Following Labour’s landslide general election victory, she served as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Her career embodies resilience, conviction and a determination to bring personal experiences and values into the heart of government decision-making.

Named by The Spectator as Politician of the Year, and recognised by the BBC among its 100 most inspiring and influential women, Angela is one of the most prominent and respected figures in British public life. Her journey from care work to the Cabinet illustrates personal achievement as well as a broader story of what politics can represent when it reconnects with the everyday realities of many people.

A frequent target for intense media scrutiny and online abuse, Angela has spoken candidly about the personal toll of public life and modern political discourse, and the resilience required to lead under pressure. She continues to champion women’s leadership, mental health awareness and the voices of disadvantaged and underserved communities. Angela also reflects on the changing political landscape, from the rise of fringe and extreme movements to the challenges of governing and legislating in the modern world, as well as on leadership and decision-making in complex environments. She also explores personal and professional resilience, drawing on her own story to consider how adversity can shape authentic, courageous leadership.