Rayner’s resignation marked a dramatic fall for one of Labour’s most high-profile figures, who had been widely tipped as a future leadership contender.
The highest profile working class member and union representative in government, she was seen as a key bridge between Sir Keir and the party’s grassroots.
Rayner also spoke of being “written off” as a teenage mother and of fighting her whole life to prove people wrong.
In office, she played a central role in shaping Labour’s flagship housing and workers’ rights agenda.
Reflecting on her work in government, Rayner highlighted the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill as “a game changer for millions stuck in insecure and low paid work”.
Her voice cracked as she spoke about the Grenfell Tower fire survivors, as she made reference to the public inquiry.
Rayner also paid tribute to colleagues and constituents, saying serving in government had been “the honour of my life”.
She offered her successor “congratulations and support” and vowed to remain a strong voice in Parliament.
But Rayner insisted her commitment to the party’s mission was undimmed: “From wherever I sit on these benches, I will fight with everything I have.”
