Angela Rayner is due to launch a podcast in an attempt to broaden her appeal ahead of a potential Labor leadership contest, it has been reported. The opening episode of the podcast will feature Rayner interviewing former minister Michael Gove, who will discuss housing policy with her out of all things.
Does she think we have forgotten how she resigned from her role as Deputy Prime Minister after she breached the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on one of her homes? Starting a podcast by debating housing across the country is a risky move, bound to cause backlash.
It comes just days after rumors started swirling about Rayner's bid to return to frontline politics after she claimed Labour's immigration reforms were un-British and said the government was “running out of time”.
According to The Times, the podcast has been produced by Global, which owns LBC; however, it is unclear whether a full series has been commissioned or when it will launch.
Does she honestly believe creating a podcast – which is an extremely crowded market already – will gain her popularity and respect?
People will only want to tune in if she addresses her decision to resign last September, following the tax scandal in which she was embroiled.
She stood down from her three roles in government after Starmer's ethics adviser found she had breached the ministerial code regarding her tax affairs on her £800,000 Hove property.
She's delusional if she thinks she stands a chance at becoming the nation's Prime Minister following last year's controversy. While Starmer has confirmed he is hoping to bring Rayner back into government – I doubt he wants to hand over his job title to her.
He recently told Sky News she was a “fantastic” Deputy Prime Minister, adding: “She's got a lot to offer, and I obviously had a conversation with her on the day that she had to resign, and I regret that she had to resign. It was the right thing to do, but I regret that she had to do it.”
Perhaps Rayner heard the interview and is convinced she has a chance at returning to her former post of stepping into Starmer's shoes.
However, will a political podcast help Rayner claw her way back into power? I doubt it, even if she comes across as relatable and genuine.