Streeting: 'The Government needs Rayner back'

WES Streeting praised former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in his speech at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, saying the government "needs her back".

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The Health Secretary addressed the main hall at Liverpool Exhibition Centre yesterday and praised the work of Ms Rayner, who resigned earlier this month.

Ms Rayner stepped down from her roles in government after admitting she should have paid more stamp duty on a flat in Hove that she bought earlier this year. She continues to serve as MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester.

In Mr Streeting's speech, he addressed the £500million investment for the first ever "fair pay agreement" for care worker pay. This led him to pay tribute to the work of Ms Rayner, who previously worked as a care worker.

He said: "There's someone else who's made a real difference too, who understands the struggle care workers face, because she was one.

"She brought that experience to the Cabinet table as the care worker who became our country's deputy prime minister. Angela Rayner, this achievement is yours. Thank you. And we want her back as well." He added: "We'll definitely make sure she sees that.

We need her back." Also in the speech, Mr Streeting branded Reform UK leader Nigel Farage a "con artist", telling delegates Mr Farage wants to replace the NHS with an insurance system.