Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy prime minister and housing secretary, had a ready response when Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg tried to catch her out on her housing credentials. Promoting Labour’s ambitious plan to build 1.5 million homes during this parliamentary term, Rayner handled a tricky question with the same confidence she’s bringing to her housing targets.
A History Lesson from Kuenssberg
Kuenssberg wasn’t pulling any punches, accusing Labour of firing off attacks at so-called “naysayers and blockers” who oppose housing developments. But when asked to name names, Rayner deflected, blaming the system itself for much of the resistance.
Undeterred, Kuenssberg whipped out a trump card: photos of Rayner in 2017 protesting against a building development in her constituency, Ashton-under-Lyne. “In 2017, were you a naysayer and a blocker?” she asked.
Rayner’s Field of Dreams
Rayner didn’t miss a beat. “Well,” she said, “we also had another site in Tameside that would have delivered more homes and the infrastructure people needed. Instead of building on a field, we wanted to build where it made sense.”
She explained her stance on local planning: “Local plans are crucial. They let communities decide where housing should go, and they help ensure developers stick to those plans. It’s about giving local people a voice while making the process quicker and smoother for developers.”
Rayner added that Labour’s approach would “push developers to do what local people want, with the infrastructure they need, rather than imposing unwanted developments.”
Kuenssberg’s Parting Shot
The BBC host wasn’t quite convinced, noting that housing is an issue that stirs deep passions among locals and politicians alike. “Well, we’ll see how it transpires,” she said diplomatically.
Labour’s Housing Mission
Rayner’s defence of her 2017 protest is part of a broader Labour push to reset public trust in government. Keir Starmer’s administration is pursuing five key “missions,” including the housebuilding pledge.
Other goals include raising living standards across the UK, tackling NHS backlogs, recruiting 13,000 more police officers, improving early years education, and putting the UK on track for 95% clean power by 2030.
The Takeaway
Rayner’s quick wit and local knowledge allowed her to sidestep Kuenssberg’s challenge while keeping the focus on Labour’s housing vision. Whether or not voters buy into the plan remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Angela Rayner isn’t afraid to defend her record—even if it involves digging into the past.
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