Angela Rayner Defends Outside Earnings From Speaking Gigs Despite Past Criticisms

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has transferred core economic growth policy and administrative powers away from the Treasury and into a newly established unit at Number 10, according to reports from The Times and Civil Service World. The structural shake-up relocates economic planning to a division termed “No. 10 North.”

Power Shifts to Number 10 North

The institutional shift strips the Treasury of key growth responsibilities, a move characterized by the London Evening Standard and Angela Rayner as a blow to London jobs.

According to The Guardian, the initiative aims to rewire what policymakers term the “Treasury brain” to boost growth. Civil Service World reports that the transition of growth responsibilities to No. 10 North is proceeding, with officials currently establishing the operational parameters of the northern economic unit.

Rayner Returns to Government Amid Scrutiny

The administrative overhaul follows the return of Angela Rayner to government in July, after Prime Minister Andy Burnham brought her back into Government.

According to coverage by Daily Mail political correspondent Greg Heffer, Ms Rayner faced renewed scrutiny upon her return regarding outside earnings amassed during her time out of office. Parliamentary registers indicate she earned nearly £90,000 from public speaking engagements between February and June, alongside a £76,500 book advance and £2,400 for hosting a radio phone-in show.

Defending Outside Engagements

Addressing questions regarding the earnings and past criticisms of MPs holding secondary roles, Ms Rayner told Sky News that the engagements were limited.

“Well, I was focusing on my constituents during that time,” Ms Rayner stated, according to Sky News. “There was, I think, around six engagements in 12 months for a couple of hours… and that’s all declared appropriately.”

Past Pledges and Current Priorities

In May 2023, Ms Rayner posted on social media that being an MP is “the job” and vowed that Labour would end “this racket,” following an undercover sting operation by the campaign group Led By Donkeys involving former Tory ministers.

Defending her recent speaking income against accusations of hypocrisy, Ms Rayner told Sky News that the work did not constitute a second job and maintained that her priority remained her constituents in Ashton-under-Lyne and the broader work of government.