In a significant shakeup of the UK government’s inner workings, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has been granted a permanent seat on the powerful National Security Council (NSC). The move, spearheaded by the new No 10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, is widely seen as an effort to smooth over reported tensions between Rayner and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The NSC, which brings together top ministers with military and intelligence chiefs to assess major threats facing Britain, is a crucial forum for shaping national security policy. Rayner’s allies had previously expressed concerns that she was being sidelined when it emerged she had only been given a temporary place on the committee. Her permanent appointment signals a shift in her standing within Starmer’s government.
Strengthening the Deputy PM’s Role
In addition to her NSC role, Rayner will now more formally and routinely deputize for Starmer, such as standing in at Prime Minister’s Questions when he is away. A No 10 source emphasized that “Keir respects Angela and wants to make sure that is recognized more widely in government.”
The “quad” of senior ministers – consisting of Rayner, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden – has also been strengthened to serve as a steering group for the government’s agenda. These changes aim to reassure Rayner and her allies in the Labour party and unions that she has Starmer’s full support.
Managing the Starmer-Rayner Dynamic
Speculation about Rayner’s ambitions and her relationship with Starmer has long swirled in Westminster. Some around the Prime Minister harbor suspicions that she could be positioning herself to eventually succeed him. However, those close to Rayner insist the latest changes originated from No 10 itself, particularly new chief of staff McSweeney, as an attempt to better manage the crucial Starmer-Rayner dynamic.
“Nobody on either side wants any more drama,” a government source confided, downplaying suggestions of serious rifts over looming budget cuts.
Insiders noted that while McSweeney’s predecessor Sue Gray was supportive of Rayner in principle, this didn’t always translate into practice. Gray’s departure and McSweeney’s arrival heralded a new approach to bringing the PM and his deputy closer together.
The Importance of the National Security Council
Established in 2010, the NSC is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes senior Cabinet ministers and intelligence chiefs. It serves as the main forum for collective discussion of the government’s objectives for national security and how best to deliver them in the current financial climate.
Having a seat at this table is seen as a key indicator of a minister’s importance and influence. Rayner’s ascension to a permanent member brings her in line with her predecessors as deputy PM, solidifying her status as one of the most powerful figures in Starmer’s government.
The Road Ahead for Rayner
As Rayner settles into her enhanced role, attention will turn to how she wields her newfound influence. With a major budget on the horizon, her stance on key spending decisions will be closely watched. As deputy leader of the Labour party as well as deputy PM, she will be under pressure to balance the government’s priorities with the expectations of the party grassroots and union allies.
For Starmer, successfully navigating his relationship with his deputy will be crucial to maintaining a united front and delivering on the government’s agenda. If the recent changes can put to bed rumors of a rift at the top, it could provide a major boost to both leaders and their ability to effectively run the country. Only time will tell if this rebalancing act pays off, but for now, Angela Rayner’s star appears to be rising within the corridors of power.
