Keir Starmer has expressed confidence that Angela Rayner will return to the cabinet, describing her as a "hugely talented" individual. This statement comes three months after Rayner resigned from her positions as deputy prime minister, housing secretary, and deputy Labour leader due to a tax scandal involving underpayment of stamp duty on a property purchase. In an interview with The Observer, Starmer praised Rayner's remarkable journey, stating she is "the best social mobility story this country has ever seen." He highlighted her challenging upbringing, where she left school at 16 and cared for her bipolar mother, before rising through the ranks of the Labour Party. Rayner's resignation followed an independent ethics investigation led by Sir Laurie Magnus, which concluded that she had breached the ministerial code by failing to pay approximately £40,000 in stamp duty. Despite this setback, Starmer indicated that he misses Rayner, saying, "Yes, of course I do. I was really sad that we lost her. As I said to her at the time, she’s going to be a major voice in the Labour movement." When asked about her potential return to cabinet, Starmer affirmed, "Yes. She’s hugely talented," marking a more definitive stance than previous comments. However, her return could be complicated by the findings of the ethics investigation. Rayner has maintained a low profile since her departure, although speculation about her future in frontline politics has increased. Reports suggest she may consider a joint leadership ticket with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, although both have denied any such agreement. Starmer also addressed the criticism faced by Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, attributing some of it to misogyny. He stated, "All politicians get quite a lot of abuse these days but for women it’s always worse." In response to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's comments regarding Rayner's return contingent on repaying the tax owed, Starmer has not indicated any immediate plans for her reinstatement. Meanwhile, cabinet minister Pat McFadden expressed support for Rayner, stating, "I think Angela Rayner is great. I would welcome it, but it is a decision for the prime minister." As the Labour Party prepares for upcoming elections, the dynamics surrounding Rayner's potential return remain a topic of interest within the party and beyond.