Angela Rayner: No 10 officials guilty of ‘self-harm’ by briefing against ministers

Angela Rayner: ‘The challenge, if I reflect on the last 12 months, is that the appetite for change is so instant.’ Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

Angela Rayner has hit back at anonymous No 10 officials who have briefed against senior cabinet ministers in recent months, warning them they are committing “self-harm”.

The deputy prime minister launched an outspoken defence of herself and other colleagues – often women – who have found themselves the subject of negative headlines in recent months, with several being tipped for the sack at a future reshuffle.