- Allies of Angela Rayner are reportedly confident that an HMRC probe into her tax affairs will be resolved before the May local elections.
- A swift resolution to the inquiry would strengthen her position for a potential leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer, who faces poor approval ratings.
- Ms Rayner is widely considered a potential successor to Sir Keir, with rumours of a leadership bid, possibly on a joint ticket with Wes Streeting, after the local elections.
- She recently criticised proposed government immigration reforms, specifically changes to indefinite leave to remain, describing them as 'un-British' and a 'breach of trust'.
- Following her comments, Downing Street initially appeared to waver on the immigration policy but later clarified that its position had not changed.
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