Angela Rayner has denied reports she could form a pact with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to remove Keir Starmer from power. Friends of the former Deputy Prime Minister said she will “not be played like a pawn”, following claims that Mr Streeting had asked her to be his running mate in a future leadership contest .

The Health Secretary has also insisted he is not plotting against Sir Keir, who will come under pressure if Labour performs badly in next May’s Welsh and Scottish devolved elections, and council elections across England. A source close to Ms Rayner, who resigned from Government in September over her tax affairs, said: “There is no vacancy and there is no pact. Amidst all the stirring and silly games, Angela is focused on representing her constituents and ensuring that thi

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