Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is set to address the Labour party conference in Liverpool, where she defended the government’s acceptance of freebies by senior ministers. In a BBC interview, Rayner emphasized that political donations and gifts have long been a part of political life, stating that all MPs engage in such practices. She clarified that her acceptance of donations was within the rules, including a free holiday stay in New York provided by donor Lord Alli.
Rayner’s speech at the conference will focus on the government’s plans for housing, with a commitment to ensuring decent homes for all and kick-starting a program of building. The government will consult on a new Decent Homes Standard for social and private renters, as well as push forward legislation to address issues like damp and mold in social housing.
The Employment Rights Bill, slated for introduction next month, aims to bolster workers’ rights by prohibiting zero-hour contracts and fire and rehire tactics. The legislation also includes provisions for parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal from the first day of employment. Rayner expressed confidence that these measures would represent a significant improvement in workers’ rights.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves weighed in on the benefits of working in the office, highlighting the collaborative nature of in-person work. She emphasized the importance of coming together to promote ideas and productivity. Reeves also addressed her acceptance of a donation for clothes during the election campaign, explaining that it was a gesture of support from a friend to ensure she appeared professional.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson faced scrutiny for using a donation from Labour peer Lord Alli to host a professional event for her 40th birthday. Phillipson defended the decision, noting that the event was work-related and included various professionals and stakeholders. She also defended the government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners, citing the need to address a significant gap in public finances left by the previous administration.
Rayner refuted allegations of breaking rules regarding her New York holiday stay, asserting that she had been transparent about the accommodation provided by a friend and donor. Labour leader Keir Starmer also faced criticism for accepting gifts, including a box at Arsenal, but defended his actions as necessary for security reasons and not at the taxpayers’ expense.
In her speech at the Labour conference, Rayner defended the government’s approach to housing policies, including the Right to Buy scheme. She emphasized the need for a fair system to prevent depletion of housing stock while providing discounts for long-term residents. Rayner also outlined plans to streamline the house building process to deliver safe and secure homes for all.
Amidst allegations and controversies surrounding gifts and donations, Rayner reiterated her commitment to delivering on government promises and criticized media portrayals of internal strife within the government. She emphasized the collective focus on delivering results and dismissed notions of infighting or discord among government officials.
Overall, the Labour party conference serves as a platform for government officials to outline their policies and priorities, addressing key issues such as housing, workers’ rights, and financial challenges. Rayner’s speech is expected to set the tone for the government’s agenda moving forward, emphasizing the importance of addressing critical issues and delivering on campaign promises.
