Angela Rayner has issued her strongest warning yet to Keir Starmer, stating that Labour is “running out of time” to change its course or risk a severe electoral backlash.
Speaking to activists, the former deputy prime minister emphasised that the party must urgently demonstrate real change, as it is increasingly perceived as part of “the establishment” since entering government.
“There’s no safe ground for us, and we’re running out of time. The change that people wanted so desperately needs to be visible,” she said.
Her intervention is the most direct criticism from within Labour’s senior ranks and highlights growing unease about the party’s direction amid weak polling.
Rayner was addressing members of Mainstream, a soft-left group linked to Andy Burnham, which is calling for a “fundamental reset” of Labour policy, including proposals to nationalise transport, water, and energy.
While urging party unity, Rayner stressed that Labour must reconnect with working people and deliver tangible improvements: “We have to show that it’s a Labour government that will deliver.”
She also criticised the Government’s proposed migration reforms, labelling them “un-British,” particularly the plan to extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years. These changes could affect more than two million migrants, including social care workers, who would face significantly longer waits for settlement.
“If we suddenly change that, it pulls the rug from under those who have planned their lives… and are contributing to our economy and society,” she warned.
Her remarks underline the growing internal pressure on Starmer as Labour grapples with policy direction, voter dissatisfaction, and the challenge of demonstrating it can deliver meaningful change in government.
