Source: YouGov tracker, May 2026. GB adults.
Background & Political Career
Angela Rayner was born in 1980 in Stockport and grew up on a council estate in Vicarage Estate, Failsworth. She left school at 16 without formal qualifications and worked as a home carer before becoming active in UNISON, the public services union. She rose through the union movement and was elected MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015.
Rayner became Shadow Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in 2020 and was elected Deputy Leader in a membership vote that same year, defeating four other candidates. Under Keir Starmer she served as Shadow First Secretary of State and Shadow Secretary of State for the Future of Work.
Following Labour’s victory at the July 2024 general election, Rayner was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government — one of the most powerful domestic briefs in the Cabinet. Her portfolio covers England’s 1.5 million homes housebuilding target, the Renters Rights Act, planning reform and devolution to English city regions.
| Date | Event | Approval Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2024 | Appointed Deputy PM and Housing Secretary after Labour landslide | Positive — initial +5 net |
| Oct 2024 | Budget backlash; associated with winter fuel cut decision | -8 points swing |
| Dec 2024 | Renters Rights Bill passes Commons; praised by housing groups | Slight recovery among renters |
| Feb 2025 | Housing targets miss Q2 milestone; media pressure | -4 points |
| Jun 2025 | Devolution deal signed for West Yorkshire and East Midlands | Neutral nationally |
| Jan 2026 | Planning reform passes; new green belt designation framework | +3 points among homeowners |
| May 2026 | Net approval stabilises at -25 | Stable |
Approval Rating Trend: 2024–2026
▼ Net negative since Oct 2024Net approval = approve % minus disapprove %. Source: YouGov monthly tracker, GB adults.
Key Controversies
Council House Sale Investigation (2023–2024)
In April 2023, the Mail on Sunday reported that Rayner may have misrepresented which property was her primary residence when selling a Right to Buy council house in Stockport, potentially reducing a capital gains tax liability. Rayner denied any wrongdoing.
Greater Manchester Police launched an inquiry after pressure from Conservative MPs and local councillors. After a 13-month investigation, the force closed the case in May 2024, stating that there was insufficient evidence to justify a charging decision. The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the file and confirmed no charges would be brought.
Rayner described the investigation as a politically-motivated campaign to undermine her. The episode kept her name in negative headlines during the run-up to the 2024 general election and contributed to a 7-point dip in awareness-adjusted approval among voters who followed the story closely.
Housing Targets Under Pressure (2025)
Rayner inherited an ambitious pledge to build 1.5 million homes over the Parliament. By mid-2025, quarterly housebuilding statistics showed England was running approximately 20% below the trajectory needed to hit the target. Opposition parties and housing charities used the data to argue the government’s planning reforms were not moving fast enough.
Policy Record as Deputy PM
Flagship pledge to build 1.5 million homes across England by 2029, backed by relaxed green belt rules and mandatory local housing targets.
Abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions, introduced stronger rent increase controls and extended minimum notice periods for landlords.
Signed devolution deals with nine English regions including West Yorkshire, East Midlands and the North East, expanding mayoral powers over transport, skills and housing.
Revised the National Planning Policy Framework to restore mandatory housing targets removed by the previous government, and expanded grey belt land designations to unlock more development sites.
Polling Outlook
Rayner’s approval trajectory broadly mirrors the Labour government’s overall standing, which declined sharply through 2024 and into early 2025 before showing modest stabilisation. Her personal approval tends to run 8 to 10 points above Keir Starmer’s, suggesting she retains a somewhat stronger personal brand within Labour’s traditional working-class coalition.
Key polling risks include continued underperformance against the 1.5 million homes target and any renewed scrutiny of the cleared council house case. Among Labour members she retains high approval, with internal party polling suggesting over 60% of members rate her performance as good or very good.
| Month | Approve % | Disapprove % | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2024 | 41% | 36% | +5 |
| Sep 2024 | 38% | 40% | −2 |
| Nov 2024 | 34% | 48% | −14 |
| Jan 2025 | 32% | 54% | −22 |
| Mar 2025 | 30% | 59% | −29 |
| Jun 2025 | 31% | 57% | −26 |
| Sep 2025 | 31% | 56% | −25 |
| Jan 2026 | 30% | 55% | −25 |
| May 2026 | 30% | 55% | −25 |
Source: YouGov tracker, GB adults.