Ros Wynne-Jones pens the weekly Real Britain column in the Daily Mirror, advocating against government austerity measures and championing the cause of everyday citizens.
The indicators of Angela Rayner’s distinctiveness were evident when she made her way to Downing Street on July 5 last year clad in a casual, mint-colored trouser suit from the label Me+Em.
As a new dawn broke over the government, Rayner, a former care worker who faced challenges as a young mother leaving school at 16 with an illiterate mother, was soon named the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
While applauded by working-class women nationwide, her significant moment was met with scorn from some quarters. Criticisms centered not just on her attire being too vibrant, loose, and expensive for a working-class woman but also on her being perceived as ‘clownish.’
After the era of Boris, often seen in disheveled attire, the critique was particularly sharp.
The issue was not her clothing but the perception that Rayner did not fit the mold. This outspoken working-class woman with aspirations beyond her perceived status was deemed out of place striding down Downing Street like a runway.
From the outset, the critics were ready to pounce.
However, Rayner remained unfazed by the criticism, drawing strength from her past experiences of overcoming obstacles. Her journey from a young carer for her mother to becoming the first female MP in Ashton-under-Lyne’s 180-year history encapsulates the values of the Labour Party.
Rayner’s personal narrative embodies the ethos of the Labour Party, attributing her achievements to the support she received from government initiatives like Sure Start during the 1997 Labour administration.
Her resilience and commitment to workers’ rights legislation have earned her both admiration and scrutiny, especially in the aftermath of controversies like Partygate and her property dealings.
Despite facing allegations of improper stamp duty payments and potential ethical violations, Rayner’s explanation, rooted in ensuring her disabled child’s welfare, resonates with many facing similar challenges.
Parents of disabled children understand the complexities of ensuring their children’s long-term security, a sentiment echoed by others who have come to Rayner’s defense amid the scrutiny.
The relentless attacks on Rayner stem from the recognition that she wields significant influence within the Labour Party, with her authentic background and connection with working-class voters making her a formidable figure.
Whether in or out of the Cabinet, Rayner remains a prominent figure in Labour politics, with her critics begrudgingly acknowledging her potential succession to Keir Starmer.
In essence, Rayner’s story epitomizes the intricacies of real-life experiences on the political stage, where authenticity sometimes comes with its share of challenges and criticisms.
