50. Angela Rayner: From zero GCSEs to Britain’s most powerful woman?
Dec 11, 2023
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Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner reflects on her journey from a challenging childhood on a council estate to her position of power in politics. She discusses the mistakes made in a previous election and the challenges of growing up disadvantaged. Rayner also addresses the criticism faced by working-class individuals in politics and emphasizes the importance of overcoming adversity and building resilience. The chapter concludes with a discussion on Rayner's potential impact as a government minister and concerns about child poverty and workers' rights.
Keir Starmer aims to provide a credible alternative and address the frustrations of the British public.
Building trust and providing a credible opposition that is prepared for government is essential.
The need for reform in the criminal justice system is highlighted, focusing on early intervention, addressing mental health issues, poverty, and substance abuse.
Deep dives
The Labour Party's journey under Keir Starmer's leadership
Keir Starmer has worked to transform the Labour Party since becoming leader, aiming to regain trust and win over voters. He recognizes the need to address the party's past failures and reconnect with the British public. Starmer acknowledges the complacency and mistakes made during the 2017 election and under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. He understands that people are angry with the Conservative government, but that anger doesn't automatically translate into support for another political party. Starmer aims to provide a credible alternative and address the frustrations of the public.
The importance of understanding and listening to the public
Starmer emphasizes the need to truly understand and listen to the frustrations of the British public. He acknowledges that the Labour Party must demonstrate that it is listening and is ready for government. The party must not take voters for granted or make assumptions about their support. Building trust and providing a credible opposition that is prepared for government is essential.
Reflecting on past Labour governments and leaders
Angela Rayner reflects on the success and impact of past Labour governments and leaders, despite not always agreeing with them personally. She highlights the positive changes made to people's lives, such as increased opportunities and support. Rayner acknowledges that not all decisions made by past Labour leaders were perfect, but believes that the party still made a significant difference to people's lives.
The challenges and frustrations of being an MP
Rayner discusses the frustrations and challenges faced by members of Parliament, including feeling powerless at times. She acknowledges the need for discipline within political parties, but also recognizes the chaos and lack of discipline within the current government. Rayner emphasizes the importance of building bridges and finding common ground in order to achieve goals and make a difference in people's lives.
Reforming the criminal justice system and reducing prison overcrowding
In the podcast episode, the discussion highlights the need for reform in the criminal justice system and the issue of overcrowded prisons. It is argued that the current approach of longer prison sentences does not effectively solve the problem. Instead, there is a call for a preventative approach, focusing on early intervention, addressing mental health issues, poverty, and substance abuse. The importance of providing opportunities and support for individuals to prevent them from entering the criminal justice system is emphasized.
Empowering workers and creating a New Deal for Working People
Another main idea discussed is the need to empower workers and improve working conditions. The New Deal for Working People is presented as a comprehensive plan that includes measures such as banning zero-hour contracts, ensuring rights from day one, overhauling sick pay, and implementing fair pay agreements. The goal is to address the imbalance in the labor market and give workers more empowerment in their workplaces. The plan aims to tackle low pay, improve terms and conditions, and provide better opportunities for training and development.
Could Labour still lose the next election? What really went wrong under Jeremy Corbyn? What do the left actually think of the right?
Rory and Alastair are joined by Labour's Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner, to discuss all this and more on today's episode of Leading.
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