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Helen Barklam
Helen Barklam is a journalist and writer with more than 25 years experience. Helen has worked in a wide range of different sectors, including health and wellness, sport, digital marketing, home design and finance.
Born Angela Bowen on March 28, 1980, in Stockport, Greater Manchester, Rayner’s early life was marked by hardship. Growing up in a council estate in a household with financial difficulties, her childhood experiences would deeply shape her future political outlook. Rayner has often spoken about her early years, her mother’s struggles with mental health, and the challenges they faced as a family. Raised by her mother, she had to take on responsibilities from a young age, which she credits for shaping her resilience and determination.
Rayner left school at 16 without formal qualifications, becoming a mother at a young age. Her decision to leave school was driven by the need to support her family, and she worked as a care worker in her late teens. These formative years in the care sector also contributed to her understanding of social welfare systems and the plight of working-class families.
Despite the challenges, Rayner pursued further education as an adult, attending college and eventually obtaining qualifications while raising her children. Her early experiences, from working as a care worker to balancing motherhood with education, provided her with a deep empathy for others in similar positions, a characteristic that has remained central to her political identity.
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Angela Rayner joined the Labour Party in 2010, driven by her desire to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people and to address inequalities that she had witnessed firsthand. She quickly became involved in local politics, gaining recognition for her grassroots activism and her ability to connect with voters.
Her first major political role came when she was elected as a councillor for Ashton-under-Lyne. In 2015, Rayner was elected as the MP for the constituency, succeeding David Heyes. At the time, Labour was going through a tumultuous period, with the party reeling from the loss of the 2015 general election and searching for new leadership. Rayner’s ability to relate to working-class voters, coupled with her clear passion for addressing social injustices, made her a rising star within the party.
Under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, Rayner’s profile continued to grow. In 2016, she was appointed as the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, a role in which she was able to bring her personal experiences of the education system to the forefront of her policy proposals. During her tenure, Rayner advocated for increased funding for schools, the reversal of cuts to education budgets, and the abolition of tuition fees, positioning herself as a strong advocate for educational equality.
Her success in the education brief was followed by an even more prominent role when she was elected Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in April 2020, under the leadership of Keir Starmer. This marked a significant milestone in Rayner’s career, as she became one of the most powerful women in UK politics.
Angela Rayner is often described as a “pragmatic socialist,” blending left-wing ideals with a focus on practical, achievable outcomes. Her political vision is deeply rooted in her working-class upbringing, and much of her advocacy centers on policies that seek to address economic inequality, improve public services, and protect workers’ rights.
One of Rayner’s most defining characteristics is her strong support for the trade union movement. Having been a member of UNISON (the public sector trade union) and a former care worker, Rayner has a personal understanding of the struggles faced by workers in low-wage, precarious employment. She has consistently argued for stronger labor rights, including higher wages, better working conditions, and increased protection for workers, particularly in sectors such as social care, where employees are often undervalued.
Rayner has also been a vocal advocate for public services, particularly the National Health Service (NHS) and education. She has repeatedly called for increased investment in both sectors and has been critical of Conservative-led austerity measures that she believes have weakened public institutions. In her role as Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Rayner was a strong proponent of reversing budget cuts to schools, increasing teachers’ pay, and scrapping university tuition fees – all measures aimed at reducing inequality within the education system.
Another key area of focus for Rayner is housing. She has frequently spoken about the need for more affordable housing and has criticized the government’s record on social housing provision. Having grown up in council housing herself, Rayner has firsthand knowledge of the importance of secure, affordable homes for working-class families. She has pushed for policies that would increase the availability of social housing and provide greater security for tenants in the private rented sector.
Angela Rayner’s unapologetically working-class identity and her outspoken, sometimes combative, style have made her a polarizing figure in British politics. On the one hand, she is adored by Labour Party members and supporters who see her as a relatable, authentic representative of the working class. Her speeches often receive widespread praise for their passion and emotional resonance, and she is known for her ability to connect with ordinary voters.
However, Rayner has also faced criticism, particularly from political opponents and sections of the media. She has been the subject of attacks over her background, with some critics accusing her of lacking the sophistication or experience needed for high office. Rayner, however, has consistently rejected such criticisms, arguing that her background is an asset that allows her to better understand the concerns of ordinary people.
Rayner’s political career has also been marked by several high-profile controversies. In 2021, she sparked media attention for calling Conservative politicians “scum” at a Labour Party conference, a comment she later stood by, claiming it reflected the anger many felt towards Conservative policies that had negatively impacted working-class communities. While the remark was condemned by some as inflammatory, it also won her praise from those who saw it as a bold rejection of political niceties in favor of speaking truth to power.
As Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner holds a key position in shaping the future of the party. While Keir Starmer leads the party, Rayner’s influence, particularly among Labour’s grassroots supporters, cannot be underestimated. She represents a bridge between the party’s left-wing factions and its more centrist leadership, and her ability to appeal to working-class voters will be crucial if Labour is to regain power.
Looking ahead, Rayner’s political future appears bright. She is frequently mentioned as a potential future leader of the Labour Party, and her strong performances in Parliament and public forums suggest she has the political acumen to continue rising. Regardless of her future role, Rayner’s impact on British politics has already been significant, and her journey from care worker to one of the most powerful figures in the country stands as a testament to her resilience and determination.
Her story resonates with many, serving as a reminder that politics can and should represent the interests of all, especially those who have traditionally been marginalized
Helen Barklam is a journalist and writer with more than 25 years experience. Helen has worked in a wide range of different sectors, including health and wellness, sport, digital marketing, home design and finance.