Gordon Brown has been a staunch advocate for addressing child poverty for a long time. His efforts during his tenure in the previous Labour government are frequently cited by ministers in Keir Starmer’s administration as a prime example of the impact a Labour government can have. However, with approximately 4.5 million children currently living in poverty, which is the highest in 60 years, it is understandable that the former Labour Prime Minister feels compelled to address the issue.
In a heartfelt speech delivered today to mark the 60th anniversary of the Child Poverty Action Group, Brown characterized child poverty as a deep societal wound. Just ahead of the upcoming Budget, he called for the complete removal of the two-child benefit cap, a topic that remains under active discussion within the government.
While Brown took the spotlight as the main speaker, another prominent figure from the Labour party, Angela Rayner, was present in the audience, drawing significant attention. Brown commended her, receiving applause from the audience, and Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern praised Rayner for her dedicated work in government.
Despite her recent departure from a prominent role in Keir Starmer’s administration due to unpaid taxes on a coastal property, Rayner has maintained a relatively low public profile. Her absence from the Labour party’s annual conference was notable, yet she still managed to elicit a standing ovation from party supporters, with calls for her return echoing among party members.
It took over a month post-resignation before Rayner made her first public statements. In a personal statement in the Commons, she reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for important issues within the government, including the recently passed Renters’ Rights Act and significant enhancements to workers’ rights through the Employment Rights Bill, which she defended in the Commons recently.
Although she did not lead the child poverty task force, it is understood that the former Deputy PM took a keen interest in its development during her time in government. This interest was evident as she attentively listened to Gordon Brown, whom she considers a mentor and has had a close political association with for more than a decade.
A close associate of the former Deputy PM stated to The Mirror, “This is an issue close to Angela’s heart. She hugely respects Gordon and she’s listening.”
In 2020, Rayner strongly criticized the two-child benefit limit as “inhumane.” While serving as Deputy PM, she supported the government’s stance on the policy inherited from the Tories despite calls for its abolition. However, if the government falls short of meeting Gordon Brown’s aspirations for the child poverty task force, it would not be surprising if Rayner chooses to speak out on the matter.