Gordon Brown has been a vocal advocate for addressing child poverty over an extended period. His efforts during the previous Labour administration to combat this issue are frequently highlighted by current government officials under Keir Starmer as a testament to the impact a Labour government can have. However, with approximately 4.5 million children currently living in poverty, marking a 60-year high, it is understandable that the former Labour Prime Minister feels compelled to address the situation.
Delivering a passionate speech today on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Child Poverty Action Group, Brown referred to child poverty as a “scar on the soul of our nation.” Just ahead of the upcoming Budget, he urged for the complete removal of the two-child benefit limit, a topic still actively debated within the government.
While Brown took the spotlight as the keynote speaker, another prominent figure in the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, was present in the audience, garnering considerable attention. Brown praised her, leading to applause from the audience, followed by acknowledgment from Alison McGovern, the Homelessness minister, for Rayner’s dedication and efforts in government.
Following her unexpected exit from a significant position in Keir Starmer’s government due to tax issues related to a property, Rayner has maintained a low public profile. Despite her absence at the Labour annual conference, she received a standing ovation from party members, with calls for her return echoing within the party.
It took more than a month for Rayner to make her first public statements after resigning. In a personal statement in the Commons, she emphasized her commitment to championing and defending critical government issues close to her heart. These include recent legislation such as the Renters’ Rights Act and the Employment Rights Bill, which she vigorously supported in the Commons.
Although not leading the child poverty task force officially, it is evident that Rayner had a vested interest in its progress during her time in government. Her admiration for Brown, whom she considers a mentor and has had a close political relationship with for over a decade, was palpable during the event.
A close associate of the former Deputy PM mentioned 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 aligned with the government’s stance on the Tory-era policy despite calls for its abolition. However, if the government falls short of Brown’s aspirations for the child poverty task force, it is likely that Rayner will feel compelled to voice her concerns.