How Labour Became Electable | Angela Rayner

Could Labour still lose the next election? What really went wrong under Jeremy Corbyn? What do the left actually think of the right?
Rory and Alastair are joined by Labour's Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner, to discuss all this and more on today's episode of Leading.
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[@MarkWestonX]

Only 10 minutes in and already think this is one of the most authentic conversations I've heard in a long time. Really good guys

[@joeambaye8681]

Starmer is her boss so out goes her integrity!

[@ronniechambers2555]

A fair point. I can't help but like her, but then again something just doesn't sit right. Hopefully she is just being cute, and playing the game, before the Angela Rayner I would like to see comes out, or maybe she will morph into a career politician like many of those before her. We certainly need more people from the real world entering politics. It's regressed since that stopped happening.@@joeambaye8681 A great podcast though, and Angela Rayner came across very well. Loved the bit about council housing at the end, as for me the building of more council housing will be the backbone of what then hopefully will be a better Britain for future generations of working class people. We need to change peoples perceptions of council housing and being working class, nothing wrong with living in a council house, council houses as they were in the 1950s, not what they became from the 1970s onwards. Nothing wrong with being called working class either.

[@braytechexoscience2790]

@@joeambaye8681 Yeah, that's not how politics works. How could you possibly watch this podcast and believe that you're your boss's keeper? If you're here, it seems you're not holding Rory to that standard, so why hold Angela to it?

[@joeambaye8681]

@@braytechexoscience2790 Her rags to riches story is just a distraction. Self interest is why she is where she is.

[@danielbentham758]

@@joeambaye8681 shes pragmatic and realistic you'd pick that up if you actually listened and understood what she was saying

[@takecourage92]

I thought political interview journalism of this quality didn't exist any more, great job guys. This feels like the sort of conversations politicians would have in the 1970s where issues are discussed, politicians give answers rather than soundbites, and sometimes questions are tough but they come from a place of respect. Angela Rayner is such an incredible person and it's hard not to like her.

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

She's another far-left crank...never run anything....utter dross.

[@user-wl9gw7xe2q]

Give me strength. Pathetic men just like Balls and Osbourne.

[@rossmackay-williams4583]

I do not see any journalist here there all lying MP from the cartel called Parliament. These are MP's that lie about everything and do not give one shit about us only the interests of big corporations

[@trucker4567]

WOW! You lefties are easily pleased, their isn't one politician in any political party in the uk that I would trust to tell us the truth, Johnson and sunak are a joke, but rayner is on another level, imagine her, lammy, abbot, or even starmer on the world stage representing us. Labour became electable because the tories was such a disaster, that is the only reason, starmer and his ilk have no idea where the running of this country is concerned, that's why starmer has asked that mass murderer blair for " "help and advice" what does that tell you about labour?

[@scottmorris8585]

That's because people like Angela can reply with confidence, knowing she isn't compelled to lie and hide behind an unreal, contrived situation like the Tories have had to do since PM Johnson showed the world how not to do politics!

[@benlowe1701]

What I adore about Angela is that despite having a genuine story of hardship (unlike these fictionalised ones that celebrities and millionaires manufactor in order to justify their successes) she is extremely aware that there is nothing particularly special about her. She was given opportunities, given the support, the help to get out of that situation. She doesn't pat herself on the back and say "It was all me. I demonstrate how nothing is beyond you if you are willing to work for it. I prove that poverty is a choice." She says: "I prove how essential that role that the state should play is. I illustrate that we can and should help these people insteas of demonizing them, because once you do, look at what any of them could accomplish. We have to do it more." It's fantastic. The opposite of the Drawbridge "Got mine" mentality. Its trite, but she knows it doesn't stop with her. It continues. It has to. And I *love* her description of leadership. Not knowing everything, but finding the right people to plug the gaps. I dont expext the Prime Minister to know how a Pandemic works. I expect them to call up an epidemiologist. I expect them to *lead*. And I 100% believe she could do that.

[@vivianjames9925]

I agree with everything you say EXCEPT - there IS something VERY special about her. She is very very clever, and yes, she has achieved all that with support, but mostly she has overtaken most people in parliament because of who she is. It takes an incredible person to be able to come up with solutions to turn the country around when you have had to rely on yourself from birth, and had to get your education when you have already left school and are a single parent. I think she's a once in a generation person: her teachers could help her because she is that very special person.

[@millwallholdings]

"Adore" ha ha easy ang the gran

[@benlowe1701]

@@millwallholdings Have you taken your pills today?

[@millwallholdings]

@@benlowe1701 You certainly must have forgot yours looking up to this old trout and token . oh i see the war criminal is on it as well Typical Labour scum To use grannys words .

[@laurieharper1526]

@@benlowe1701I think he has, but they're not the pills the doctor gives you...

[@davidallen513]

This interview needs to be broadcasted on mainstream media. This is what politics and the country needs to hear.

[@juliaogara8794]

Most definitely

[@junedog7000]

I find it a crying shame that huge swathes of people won’t consume this type of media where we really get to know the people who have a huge influence on the parties we might vote for. Instead they will witness sound bites on the News and attention grabbing headlines from Newspapers. This is real. Not manufactured. Keep it up gents.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

I think you are missing the point. It should be about policies not personalities. That is how it used to be until the morphing of politicians into semi celebrities. It started many years ago but in 2019 the first celebrity Prime Minister was elected. That went well, not. Client media working in hand with the Conservatives and the lack of serious news/ documentaries combined with changed viewing habits mean that there is no space for serious discourse.

[@karlallington3943]

I totally agree, people form opinions nowadays on 10 second sound bites, vast swathes of the population are happy to consider “Stop the boats” an immigration policy, it’s ridiculous.

[@andrewgoodall2183]

@@eightiesmusic1984 I think that's a good observation, but it doesn't ever hurt to have probing interviews of politicians to try and see what makes them tick. But it does make you think - I'm middle aged, I haven't even watched the news since before lockdown because it's all so depressing and I've given up giving a shit. Until recently. If I'd known 20 years ago that I was going to be regularly enjoying a podcast hosted by Alastair Campbell, I probably would have shot myself to stop it happening (I was a Lib Dem voter back then). So the medium here is what's bringing me back to the discourse. I read Rory Stewart's recent book, and was glad I read it. I've already seen Angela Rayner on James O'Brien interview doing her life story just like here, and was impressed then. Am I risking indoctrination here from these lot because I got a bit closer to how they think and let them give me a better insight into the political sphere, or am I being unduly influenced by their nice guy personalities, while not being exposed (or have forgotten) their darker halves? It's an interesting thing to think about.

[@shoes123uk8]

Well said 👏

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@andrewgoodall2183 The world as it lived by the majority is not necessarily the one described by the establishment. Confirmatory bias and an echo chamber of reinforcement perpetuates the same narrow set of ideas around the neoliberal consensus. Labour is as far removed from what it is supposed to be about ( allowing for the fact it has always been a broad church since its inception but no more, with the Socialist Campaign group very much in a minority on its own and without any influence, although that would change if Labour does not win a comfortable or large majority).than at any time in its history. There are good grounds to believe that the party under Starmer wants to eradicate the left. The Blairite ascendancy has a grip on the party and does not intend to relinquish it. A duopoly where both parties coalesce around almost identical policies is a sham democracy but we are being sold the idea that Labour should replace the Tories without any compelling policies to convince people it will make a difference. If the politicians of today were scrutinised as they were thirty years ago and beyond, they would be forced to provide detailed analysis for their positions. Platitudes would be given short shrift but client media and the cosy consensus renders most of what passes for interviews as nothing more than a PR exercise. The voters have been ill served by the media landscape in Britain for decades, creating a real democratic deficit. I am 53 and have given up despite bothering to set out my thoughts in posts like this. I see little grounds for optimism but it is ingrained in me since the eighties to advocate for a better society even though it is ever more elusive.

[@philipmulville8218]

I think Rory is even more impressed with Angela Rayner than he dares to admit. She’s a star and could even, as Alastair mentioned, end up as PM. Excellent interview and review. Thank you.

[@yatesy117]

If she ends up PM god help us that's the final nail in the coffin of this country

[@ozzie2612]

@@yatesy117 how?

[@ozzie2612]

@@paulsawtell3991 she's great isn't she

[@geraldinegrandidier7641]

@@yatesy117 have you seen the state of your country , sewage in all U.K. waters , time to wake up and smell the sewage

[@millwallholdings]

"star" 🤣🤣🤣 Has she sold a council house yet ? a real women of the people is flasher ang

[@user-cg2wy8gr4i]

As a guy who comes from a very poor background but made it to executive management with major companies, this interview rang so many bells for me. Angela Rayner is a real authentic rough diamond, who if she can hold it together is going to make a difference to many many people. One of your best and most honest interviews, thank you.

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 stupid moronic drivel.

[@trussknocker5431]

Self praise is no praise. Pitiful

[@annegoodridge8174]

I have the utmost respect for Angela. If only more people like her would get elected.

[@UkSapyy]

She has incredible drive but it's the systems that existed that recognised that drive and gave her opportunities. The best part is she is astute enough to recognise both her drive and fortune and is pushing to actually make changes. I'm a young man but she should be seen as a role model for young women, if she keeps going I have no doubt that she'll become one. Maybe even break barriers and been seen as a role model for everyone from a less privileged birth.

[@millwallholdings]

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA Good one

[@mrwu2]

She's the exact opposite of what we need. The fact people like you see her as "the answer" is nothing short of orwellian

[@stephenbland7461]

Isn’t she the MP whilst in her capacity as a MP, who publicly, and on camera, proclaimed that ‘all tories are scum’? As in ALL of them. And you think that we need more like her? Really? Yep, a nice polite MP who deserves respect….or maybe as a MP, whilst in public, respect needs to be shown before it’s earned.

[@dddddbbb]

@@stephenbland7461 To be fair if they are responsible for both Johnson and Truss...hasn't that been proved to be correct? Either scum or intellectually unable to grasp basic human decency.

[@JustinTimeEnglishClip]

Angela Rayner - One of a few genuine people in politics, a real human being. There is hope! Nice houses for people to live in, a joy to many people. Yes, she is a star!

[@kaboodlefish]

She comes across as a bit of a bigot tbh. She thinks she's fighting the world, probably because she's had a lot to overcome and has done so admirably. But she's continuing to throw punches blindly and so she seems to lack judgement and i'd worried about who she's going to hit along the way, knowingly or unknowingly. Not someone to be trusted imo.

[@JustinTimeEnglishClip]

@@kaboodlefish No match for Oliver Dowden, then?

[@iangascoigne8231]

@@kaboodlefishAnother comment spouting crap. I wonder how many you’re going to write?

[@kaboodlefish]

@@iangascoigne8231 What warmth did you see then? I give her credit for taking care of her family.. mostly.. letting her blind son run around on a bit of dodgy tarmac seems an odd choice, but whatever. But I kinda land where Rory did of her just seeming angry. I'm concerned by her apparent view of the country that it's made up of disparate competing groups, she seems to think boris (spit) was tagging maternity bras? She made excuses for 10k dead palestinian children, and was dishonest over tax cuts. No warmth here.

[@janschkeuditz6065]

Up your medication,she is a joke. No ideas to how Britain earns it's living. Has nothing to offer. Just like most politicians just placed there . In her case a token white woman amongst Labour's educated immigrant women

[@srk069]

I am honest when I realise I’ve completely misjudged a person. Angela Rayner is a bit of a bloody star. Thank you for this excellent interview.

[@dianamincher6479]

Don't confuse her physical attributes with her usefulness? She has not achieved anything concrete for the people!

[@christinegivens9048]

@@dianamincher6479yet… she’s been preparing for this day. Humble. Imagine it! A humble servant to the people.

[@ParaquatSC]

@@dianamincher6479 She hasn't ever been in government has she.. how can you achieve anything concrete from shadow government?

[@johngale9098]

i totally agree , infact id go further and state that she has a future primeminister aura about her .

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

@@christinegivens9048 So what has she ever run? Has she been a manager or worked in industry?

[@philhargreavesphoto1]

Brilliant…I’ve worked in Social Housing for many years and know all too well the type of family background Angela that comes from, and for her to rise above that and reach the heights that she has is totally inspiring. A wonderfully honest and articulate interview…she’s got my vote!

[@ReapermanUK]

supporting starmer, she's pulled up the ladder

[@millwallholdings]

"Articulate" 🤣🤣🤣 she wont be getting mine, I have nothing against the Jews unlike Labour voters.

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

Sycophantic rubbish. Massive numbers on council estates do not work, they never intended to....cosy on benefits.

[@geraldinegrandidier7641]

@@ReapermanUK are you a pulling to the bottom of some sorts

[@ianmurray7970]

I thought she was wonderful. I'm the biggest cynic but I think she is authentic and in politics to help not for power itself. That's the bug difference.

[@tomthomas3975]

We still live in an era of soundbite politics but when you have an empathetic long form like this you really get to see that politics can be human and personable. Great podcast this one - well done to all involved

[@millwallholdings]

🤣🤣🤣

[@millwallholdings]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Yes a human on five times the Average wage , Good old Ang has had it so "hard" many boys at her school would vouch for that as well snigger

[@eelnaugh6269]

I am not a fan of Angela Rayner's politics, but after watching this video, I have a new-earned respect for her. This is is a great argument for why we need to ensure a level of equality of opportunity for our young people, and allow them the opportunities, for meritocracy to work how it should. They are the future. I am pleased she is in politics.

[@iangascoigne8231]

Since Rayner is a product of and stands for equality of opportunity how can you say you don’t like her politics? You certainly won’t get that with the Tories.

[@grateberk6435]

She is a real and honest person. Intelligent like the others in the Labour cabinet.

[@kaboodlefish]

​@@iangascoigne8231 In this interview I found her to be a closed minded-bigot, obsessed with division, and as such i don't trust her (or Kier) to be for everyone.

[@ReapermanUK]

@@grateberk6435 you mean wes the nhs privateer, and starmer the tory twat

[@karlallington3943]

Yeah, I agree, I was surprised by the way she interviewed so well, which for me as a swing voter, does count. Is there not a bit of a parallel however, between her (rightly) bagging the tories for stirring up radicalism on social media, and her using the language she does about them, also whipping up radicalism on the left on social media? She’s always struck me as such a polarising character, and I’m not sure that view has changed.

[@johnwright9372]

Great interview. She has more honesty in her little finger than all the Tory party put together.

[@richardcodd5323]

What like her foul mouth calling people scum in parliament you need more than a mouth to run a country

[@joeambaye8681]

Honest and works under the camelion Starmer!

[@kerryburns6041]

@@joeambaye8681 Quite so, bit of a conflict there. Working for a zionist supporter of genocide. Fine words but no moral compass. An example perhaps of the most dangerous politician being the one you agree with ...

[@HaggardPillockHD]

​@@joeambaye8681chameleon?

[@nickhartley6930]

Awesome interview. Thank you. Angela came across as authentic, intelligent and with an important positive agenda.She has done a little bit to restore my trust in the current generation of British politician. Good work!

[@michaelpolya4924]

What a breath of fresh air when compared to the nest of snakes that we have in power at the moment. Angela is a remarkable woman. Above all, she is not on an ego trip, but is genuinely concerned for those less fortunate her. Without the advantage of advanced education, she is able to grasp the essentials of economics, politics, psychology and statesmanship and to cut through complexity. A lovely lady. Congratulations for a superb interview.

[@sholness85]

Angela. What a brilliant human being, I feel very inspired by her.

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

She is what so many are not,genuine

[@user-yw8ms5fg4x]

I am an American (in America) who crashed this party and until now did not know who Ms. Rayner is. I watched because I have come to view this podcast as an oasis of thoughtful discourse and urgent soul-searching about the future of government and hence civilization, local, regional, national and ultimately global. Anything you do, I'll watch and listen. Ms. Rayner is a star who brings a lot to the banquet. Your safe-place forum and the questions were conducive to a splendid discussion. I am very jealous that on our side of the Atlantic things are accelerating so inexorably in the very opposite direction.

[@veggie42]

Yes the Maid Marian to Robin Hood. The pepper to salt compliments as a whole 😊

[@user-yw8ms5fg4x]

Indeed. ;)@@veggie42

[@Aine24601]

UKIPy.....thats being somewhat delicate Rory. Shes being very authentic.

[@agentdouble-osoul158]

I have no doubt you’re a trump supporter…nuff said

[@bobsboltonstuff4212]

thank you, wonderful interview, wonderful woman, the country needs people like her, grounded honest and motivated. Really feel like I’ve met someone special.

[@richyd2411]

This is exactly the type of person you want to help run your country. Some one who understands real life issues , someone who has experienced real life situations. You have my utmost respect & support Angela Rayner .

[@ReapermanUK]

why is she pulling the ladder up with starmer the starver

[@buzzukfiftythree]

Sometimes you have to say it as it is - she was pretty spot on with her assessment of the 21st Century Tory Party. Angela has achieved so much and is arguably much better placed to understand the issues facing a significant proportion of the population than a group of right-wing privileged and entitled ex-public school hooray Henry’s.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Labour is committed to the same policies as the Tories. Keep up.

[@terrypankhurst7601]

@@eightiesmusic1984 No Labour are committed to getting elected, also the tories have destroyed the economy, public services, NHS, Welfare state, international reputation, coming in and opening the purse strings will put us in a worse position, now fixing things from the ground up and making them sustainable, and more difficult to break if the tories get back in is a great policy.

[@user-ki8tz2on7t]

Understanding the issues and finding the money to pay for them are two different things. I look forward to Labour's proposals, and not the back-of-a-fag-packet costings they offered at the last election

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@terrypankhurst7601 You also need to keep up with reality. Left, right and middle ( at any given time) want to be elected. People do not devote their lives to politics for a laugh or to pass the time. Ken Clarke, Tory Chancellor under Major, has said that he would not have stuck to Tory spending plans for two years as Labour did in 1997. No idea what you mean by fixing things from the ground up and making them sustainable- I suspect you do not either. After two years of a Labour government sticking to Tory policies/ spending plans and no change, the Tories may well be able to plot a path back to power. Read Keynes- he has the answers. Tax and spend not more austerity, which is precisely what sticking to Jeremy Hunt's spending plans will mean.

[@wendywolfman]

Why does right wing come into it? Privileged and public school educated, sure, but being right wing doesn’t stop that.

[@peacefulpleb]

A really honest and meaningful interview. She had a tough early life but she got through it with real determination. There is a natural warmth in the lady which does not come out in her MP guise. Well done for encouraging her to come on. Nice to see that Rory came straight from the fishing trawler to the interview.

[@kaboodlefish]

I didnt see warmth at all. I saw an angry person, who's constantly looking for division and constantly in a fight, even if no one is fighting them at the time.

[@iangascoigne8231]

@@kaboodlefishI wonder how many comments you are going to write spouting rubbish?

[@kaboodlefish]

@@iangascoigne8231 What warmth did you see then? I give her credit for taking care of her family.. mostly.. letting her blind son run around on a bit of dodgy tarmac seems an odd choice, but whatever. But I kinda land where Rory did of her just seeming angry. I'm concerned by her apparent view of the country that it's made up of disparate competing groups, she seems to think boris (spit) was tagging maternity bras? She made excuses for 10k dead palestinian children, and was dishonest over tax cuts. No warmth here.

[@Diniles]

​@@iangascoigne8231How is someone giving their view of something "spouting rubbish"? You might disagree, but it's another perspective

[@iangascoigne8231]

@@kaboodlefish When she talked about her mother, her grandmother. As if you care about dead Palestinian children. As if the Tories do. The country is made up of disparate competing groups, started by the Tories but keep spouting your rubbish. Where did she say Bozo was tagging maternity bras? She didn’t. She was commenting on the fact that we’ve got to a stage where people arse so worse of that even the most mundane of things need security tags. But as I say keep spouting your rubbish.

[@eliseleonard3477]

What a great interview! It’s so eye-opening to see Ms. Rayner in a setting where she is reflective and discussing her thought process. What a powerful, determined, and wise person she is.

[@gurney2931]

Rayner is as thick as mince.

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

She's a left-wing duffer, a barmy motormouth, never run anything or ever had a proper job. Get real.

[@dianamincher6479]

She needed a council house? So what?

[@Dask2437]

I love the this format, two people that have held senior positions in government at opposite ends of the political spectrum talking intelligently and getting on. This is what it takes to have a functioning society. I also find myself for the first time in my 50 years contemplating a vote for Labour. Angela was truly inspiring.

[@thetragicyouth]

And for the first time in almost 40 years, I'm contemplating not voting Labour.

[@wizzyno1566]

​@@thetragicyouthim the opposite, for the first time in ages im going to vote labour...

[@johnorchin8567]

What really stood out for me was when Alistair asked Angela if anything suddenly happened to Kier while in government would she be able to step up to the plate. Angela replied with such speed and certainty that she absolutely would step up. Few politicians give such a straightforward honest answer.

[@MrJoswal09]

Really illuminating interview with a politician who I've tried-for a reasonably long time- to understand. I thought the questions were solid, and her answers were confident enough to warrant serious consideration as a potential future leader of the Labour party. As someone who has always voted conservative (small c) it's refreshing to know that, whilst my party has been seized by ideologues and charlatans, my ideals and beliefs still shine through even in the far-left reaches of the Labour party, I've been impressed by what Sir Keir Starmer has said so far, and after leaning that way for a good few months now she may have just sealed my vote.

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

She's a duffer and he's a dud, so just what exactly has he been saying other than spout opportunist thin gruel. He's captain U-turn.

[@Jack-xg1kg]

Interesting use of the term 'far left' there. If your (small c) conservative ideals and beliefs are 'shining' through in the Labour Party then how can you also describe it or Angela as 'far-left'? The statement makes no sense. You are not left wing now because you are voting Labour. They are right wing now because they are espousing the correct politics to attract you - a right winger.

[@nicklpantis]

⁠​⁠@@Jack-xg1kgI think he means that in the Labour Party you will find real far lefters as you would do in any party; it is the same as acknowledging there are very far righters in the Conservative Party. He is not talking about Reyner, but literally ‘the far-left reaches of the labour party’

[@darkwarlock123]

The remaining left wing of the Labour party were evicted forcefully as soon as Starmer took control. In the circles that I run in, Corbyn had moderately left wing policies: a good start, but not an actual socialist manifesto. The response from Labour leadership and the main stream press was to smear him and remove him and break their own procedures to remove him and all of his supporters. So when you talk about Angela Rayner being "far left", I immediately want to communicate what real left wing politics is about, and how far short any of New New Labour (Labour 3.0?) come to that goal.

[@BelligerentBurgers]

She is a typical traditional (excellent) Labour politician (The vast majority of Labour have moderate views like her, in including me.) I've been in the party for a long time and I think she'd be a good PM. I hope you giver Labour a chance to govern with your vote!

[@l4zrh4wk]

I had no idea Angela was so badass! Can’t wait to see you guys back in charge 🌹

[@MartinTodd]

Thank you for so much substance! As a Texan I can just sit back and enjoy y'alls politics and I am very thankful to have watched this. Please do more!!!

[@ijw2009]

I wasn't a fan at all of Angel Rayner and still remain some-what sceptical about her abilities on the world stage to represent us as a country following the 'tory scum' outburst (not professional at all even if it is what a lot of people think and even if it was appropriate about Johnson), however now having never heard her backstory, I feel you can't fail to be impressed with how on earth she managed to get to where she now is considering from where she once was. It's hardly the usual backstory of most of our politicans is it?..... pregnant at 16, left school with zero qualifications, born to a mother who couldn't cook and had no books in her house, and now a mother herself to a partially blind son. Frankly that's amazing and I now have a lot more respect for her than I did before. If it is to be Labour next year, knowing now what I know about her I for one at least have more faith that she might actually care about us all, in particular about the lives of the poor who frankly need someone to represent them during these deeply unwelcoming and challenging times.

[@ym10up]

I think one big thing people have to really consider is what one wants in a political leader. A lot of us naturally want someone who is charismatic and well spoken to represent a country on the world stage, which you alluded to. But in reality, that is not really a quality necessary for a politician who does good for the people and the country. Models or actors can be very presentable, but that does not make them suitable political leaders. I think we all have the unconscious bias within us that we cannot imagine someone who talks like her and comes from a background like hers on a world stage. I hope soon enough we can all take it for granted that someone like her is just as capable of being the leader of a country.

[@ijw2009]

@@ym10up Maybe... only time will tell and if she gets her chance then I hope she delivers and doesn't go down the corrupt route as so many of our politicians seem to do regardless of their political leanings. To be fair she can hardly do much worse than when Liz Truss turned up in the kremlin.

[@ym10up]

@@ijw2009 lol, Truss is a really low bar. This is almost like Angela's kid being worried about his exams and she said she set the low bar in the family. But yes, power is very corrosive. I hope she wields it well.

[@gardenroom64]

That’s how far labour have descended to. We need to improve the Conservative Party.

[@Red1Green2Blue3]

It wasn't an outburst lol. It was a comment said in PRIVATE and someone leaked it

[@TonyTsobanis]

I'm an aussie living in Asia, and have found this podcast to be so refreshing. Enjoyed the interview and previous discussions. Keep up the good work!

[@mikewhatley9783]

What am amazing interview, and what an amazing person Angela is. It is so important that someone like Angela is in Parliament and in a position where she can relate to so many of the challenges people face, we need more of that and the people in Parliament need to be able to walk in the shoes of the people they are there to serve.

[@barker900]

Hats off, brilliant interview and Angela your party has my vote, well done, you are refreshing.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

What a great woman. No feeling sorry for herself like so many from hard upbringings. She’s smart, funny and human. Imagine a politician with human experience. Yet the papers and right wing lot will try their best to bring her down.

[@dianamincher6479]

She's quite charming but many people are charming. She's been earning a huge salary for not much?

[@alecmiddleton1842]

I didn't leave the Labour Party in a dramatic principled 'card tearing' moment. I left, some time after voting for Starmer's leadership, because the energy bills shot up and I had no spare money to pay for my membership. After improving my income, I looked at rejoining the party but was unimpressed by Starmer. Angela Rayner is so 'real' she could tempt me back in. Good interview. I am feeling quite emotional about it.

[@MyMongo100]

given that your energy bills have shot up under a tory government for the last decade, why are you blaming labour? Was an anvil dropped on your head after childbirth or do you have some cognative disabilities?

[@user-ng8gt5ow5m]

Likewise. I'd join the party under Rayner because I like her as a leader and believe in her experience. I wont join under Starmer but I will vote Labour to ensure we get the tories out and Angela in a position of power.

[@philipwookey599]

Labour are electable because of Starmer! @@user-ng8gt5ow5m

[@Simon-zb6fp]

This is one of the best interviews that you both have done. Of course Angela provided all material and was more open than any politician that I have heard. So interesting to hear how she thought Labour could lose the election which is food for activists. And fascinating to hear how she didn't think of herself as left wing. She would make a good Prime Minister one day, and I never thought that I would ever say that about Angela Rayner.

[@jivebunny3765]

Sorry, but I'd like any Prime Minister of this country to at least be able to write there own name, and to have passed GCSE English at at least grade C.

[@zooblestyx]

In Swedish, there is the term "maskrosbarn", which translates to "dandelion child". It describes a person who thrives despite deprived and difficult childhood conditions, like a dandelion seed that having been paved over, might still push itself up through the asphalt.

[@bikepilot]

This is a remarkable interview. All three participants are articulate and open and willing to talk through difficult issues. This is how politics ought to be conducted, far removed from the Tory Clown Show. Gave me hope at Christmas. Thank you.

[@andrewbutcher3391]

We need Angela in Government. Someone who is real and genuinely cares…with life experience. Her story really is incredible. I’m sick of the bankers and career politicians thinking they know everything about everything….

[@millwallholdings]

And on 5 times the national wage A real women of the people like SIR keir LOLLLLLLLLL

[@Mock_Turtle_1805]

​@@millwallholdingsYou prefer the Tory millionaires because they are arseholes and that makes you feel better about being an arsehole?

[@ozzie2612]

@@millwallholdings so what?

[@millwallholdings]

@@ozzie2612 oh forgot your type dont have a problem with Labour mps being minted and rubbish celebs like Lineker do you, its just the Boys in Blue , sorry i forget sometimes

[@ozzie2612]

@@millwallholdings my type hate torys lining their own pockets in a national crisis and partying about it

[@Dom-fk3te]

Am I too young for this podcast? That's the second time this month I've had to endure an explanation of CB radio. Fantastic conversation, always got time for Angela Rayner. I wish more people that grew up in a similar background could hear that.

[@AG19179]

Absolutely amazing interview. Angela Rayner is amazing and an inspiration to anyone. Well done to her and thanks to the Rest Is Polictics channel for their great interviewing.

[@dianamincher6479]

Raynor seems like a disappointment? she doesn't seem to do much? Jess Phiilps works hard? What bridges has she built?

[@sheelaghquigley3555]

What an excellent interview! Angela deserves every success. Honest, straightforward and determined.

[@richardpentney8438]

This is the most astonishing and honest political interview I have ever heard (and I am in my 50s) thank you to Rory, Alastair, Angela and the whole of the production team for this. I would never have believed that any politician of any party would have had the bottle to do something like this, especially with an election looming. Has this got Labour across the finish line? I don't know, but this may be what they needed.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Confused response. What exactly do you mean by asking if this interview will win the election for Labour? Relatively few people out of the whole country will see it and Labour is going to have to explain in a lot more detail what it will do in government if it is to attain victory.

[@richardpentney8438]

@@eightiesmusic1984 if you read my post you will see that I was asking the question as to whether this type of "everyman" interview might be what Labour needs to make them appeal to any swing voters. It would be ridiculous to say that one interview wins an election, one interview could lose an election, but not this one. Instead of picking holes and trying to find a negative, why don't you give credit to the people who have done a damn fine job.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@richardpentney8438 That is not what you said or meant as it would be understood by most people, except you. Moving the goalposts. What on earth are you comparing the interview to in order to reach such a hyperbolic conclusion? Maybe you are just easily impressed.

[@paulmaggs3212]

She is Labour’s secret weapon

[@trcyg17]

I loved that. Thank you. I became a teacher almost 30 years ago when most were middle class and I felt i didn't quite fit, even though I sounded more like them than my working class dad. Angela has done brilliantly well and I'm really excited to see what she will do if Labour do get into power next year. I loved hearing all of what she had to say and her taking joint ownership of decisions with Keir was particularly enjoyable. She is awesome, as were your questions and the time your gave her to speak unharried. Wishing you both a lovely Christmas with your families.

[@Madbrad2000]

it's so refreshing to hear someone from a working class, troubled background high up in government. This is someone who understands what normal people struggle with every single day. Recognising the struggles of troubled kids in school, issues with tough home lives, poverty etc etc when do Tories ever sit down and reflect on these issues? There's so many things about her past that I find relatable. I genuinely hope this next gov does something good for the country.

[@l33jcm]

Brilliant! Just brilliant! We need more like her to help drag our country out of the hole we're in!

[@santokun5835]

One of the best interviews. Direct, honest & empathetic at the same time. Very rare in the age of tiktok

[@danielhall6354]

except when this gets posted on Tiktok

[@paulstix1]

That was brilliant, insightful & uplifting. Here’s to Hope .

[@smoozerish]

Great interview. Wishing Angela much success in the future.

[@MrXcbeast]

Conversations like this, especially the summary end, give me some hope for our country's future. Thank you.

[@nlbm]

Total respect to Angela, she’s accomplished so much. ❤

[@gurney2931]

Yes, people thick that she is not strong academically but she did pass a test at school. A pregnancy test.

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nlbm]

@@gurney2931 the irony is that you just failed to spell “think” correctly. Says it all.

[@gurney2931]

@@nlbm I'm not sure what my spelling skills have got to with anything but glad you enjoyed it.

[@Johnmell100]

I am not a labour supporter and I didn't know very much about Angela Rayner until now, but I take my hat off to her. A real person, unlike a lot of other politicians, many of who are in it for themselves.

[@ym10up]

Her story is so compelling that everytime I hear her talking about her life, I'm impressed

[@dsjwhite]

This has been fantastic. Life affirming. Wonderful person. A real hero. Thank you.

[@bereal6590]

Life is 99% luck, 1% hard work. You got lucky Ange for all of us that didn't. Well done girl

[@user-ec1rb7lm3k]

I'm a huge fan of Angela Rayner and Rory Stewart. I genuinely believe that Rory Stewart would be a great Prisons Minister in the Labour Government.

[@MrArchie800]

Great interview and I'm not surprised there are none of the usual derogatory comments from people who have taken the time to watch this interview - so refreshing. I'd also highly recommend James O'Brien's podcast interview of her where she fills in some really interesting gaps in her career advancement, in particular in her early role in the union where she was initially quite scared of important meetings with 'the management suits' but quickly realised that she actually new more than the bosses because she had taken the time to study the subject inside out, and how this often translates into here govt role where a certain class of MP might be a good speaker but actually doesn't really know their subject etc. Cheers for a great podcast!

[@alexmalex82]

As someone made in social housing I'm very pleased to hear her passion about it. Ironically, this is the only place ive heard about it. This podcast cuts through the noise and gets the important stuff out there. Just to expand a bit on what the difference is between someone like Angela (or myself) and Rory is that we've been devastated by the structures that be way before Boris lied to parliament. We feel more about Grenfell than we generally would about the state of democracy - because the status quo delivered us so many assaults to our basic human rights. I do personally agree with Rory about the importance of certain structures and testing the levers of democracy has signalled to a spiky old lefty like myself the importance of such levers. But for a lot, this upset just looks like a shake up of the status quo that did nothing for them before.

[@garydhoughton]

What a great podcast. Angela is truly inspirational. Wow! 2024 Deputy PM 🤞

[@markputnam6371]

Angela reminds me of our previous leader here in NZ, Jacinda Ardern. Empathetic but also very focused and excellent in front of people

[@basic6154]

NO PAUSE,NO ask again (while i think of an answer) straight talking ,her honest answers so refreshing

she is being interviewed by labour supporters friends like they are down the pub there is no pressure on her.

[@basic6154]

It's almost like she's a tory being interviewed by Laura or fiona or the daily mail or the daily express or the daily telegraph or gb news,AMAZING

[@paolo43053]

The rest is politics is such a breath of fresh air. It should have much more leverage and should be given a TV platform, I’ve always been a keen follower of politics. And thanks to your streams I have had the chance to listen to some politicians which I initially wouldn’t give time or a day, it’s like Angela here, I’ve never really thought much about her. But after this interview, I have changed my mind in regards to her views or choices. And I will give her a chance at next elections. (Keen conservative here 😂). Great work Alistair and Rory. Keep it going!

[@simonjohns1453]

What a fantastic person. I think the final question was so telling. Yes, she can be the next Barbara Castle and I hope she can drive the much needed council housing construction phase - but not as a "social housing" programme, but in the 1920s and 1950s sense of homes for typical working people. We need to decouple housing from being an investment vehicle, and ringfence it as an affordable and literally vital right for our children.

[@triptwo425]

So so true.

[@jackrichardson9334]

Honestly I've tried to get into many podcasts over 2023. I have not been able to listen for more than 1-2 episodes. This podcast I've been listening to so easily and loving thank you so much, i especially loved this episode :)!

[@artbargestudio]

Angela Rayner is certainly the most eloquent and informed person in the room! I hope she gets elected into government as soon as possible! Bring it on!

[@bb_nation7963]

As a labour voter for most of my life who has been voting SNP and greens in Scotland for the last 8 years. This woman might just be the reason I vote red again. It is difficult because with the progressive polices of the SNP (I know they are not perfect either) labour needs to sell me during there manifesto that they can help bring back control and opportunity to working people.

[@therealrobertbirchall]

Labour are a unionist party and they will never change.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@santokun5835]

​@@therealrobertbirchallWhat's wrong with being an unionist party? Last I checked, majority of scots rejected breaking the Union.

[@therealrobertbirchall]

@@santokun5835 support for ending the English occupation is at 55% presently and hasn't dropped below 45% for 20 years. And that's without any campaigning going on. Go on now let's hear it "you had a once in a lifetime referendum and you lost. Usual unionist bull.

[@denniscopping7166]

Your program is fantastic. I just love the sense that you both express on all topics. In life, in work, in 100 mile charity bike rides it is not how you start or where you come from it is how you finish.

[@ollywild925]

This is so amazing to see this side of her. Interviewing MPs in this way is much better for understanding them!

[@andyelliott8113]

Brilliant show! Living away from the UK I never had any inkling of Angela Rayners background so I found this to be illuminating. Thank you!

[@liborsionko]

I don't 'do cuddles' either but watching this inspirational woman tell her story I feel moved to give her a squeeze.

[@dd511]

I anticipated my admiration for Angela Rayner to be reaffirmed, and indeed it was. My warming towards Rory Stewart however, took me quite by surprise. Didn't think I'd last for an hour and thirteen minutes either, but I did. Excellent piece of media!

[@seanwoods7018]

Wow that was a very enlightening interview. Changed my views entirely, this program is the best of politics by far.a real chance to see views from both sides,thank you.

[@GK-il3fn]

This podcast is so damn good. I never thought I’d be thinking positive things about Angela Raynor, but your in depth and diligent questioning really helps to get people opening their minds. It’s free of the smugness of James O Brien, or the sensationalism of Piers Morgan. It’s brilliant work and long may it go on!

[@sharongoddard5191]

This is a really enjoyable and informative episode. Inspirational.

[@raymondpulham1600]

Watching this from OZ she comes across as a real person who has done it tough and wants to help people do better for themselves with government help but also on their own efforts to achieve a better life. A very impressive person and the show itself is out standing from the three participants and their input into the topics being discussed.

[@robertrobertson4118]

Couldn't stop watching your interview with Angela Rayner. What a fascinating life, a major strength of the Labour Party and who thankfully appears to have honesty and the good of others as her bedrock.

[@murraymusic2633]

A very impressive interview from Angela Rayner - and I confess I was not always a fan. Well done again both of you for an informative interview.

[@mikeashton4864]

Really enjoying these interviews and am for the first time in years impressed by a labour politician.

[@kevinturner5857]

R u a Tory !?

[@NoImSpartacus]

Great interview…. Looking forward to seeing Angela being able to make that difference that she’s been unable to in opposition. A real person of integrity. Wow , we haven’t had that for a long time!

[@WestfaliaStuff]

The respect and the intellectualism of the interviewers as well as the honesty and the sheer positivity of Ms. Rayner give me hope for the UK. To a brighter tomorrow!

[@TheAncientBiker]

What a brilliant interview, I have warmed to her immensely.

[@a4135979]

Great to have Angela Rayner on guys! Love your channel!

[@rodneystacey1155]

Really interesting, great to hear a down to earth person tell it how it is

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

So glad I managed to hear this brilliant interview with Angela Rayner! At last there is hope! This lady has really lived and understands what life can be for many people, I hope she goes the whole way she definitely deserves to and she will get my vote every time I will support her wherever she goes let’s hope one day she gets the chance to be PM

[@jrd1811]

Thanks guys this was a great conversation

[@CharlieCelt]

I have left the Labour Party after just under 50 years membership because of Keir Starmer. I'm now considering rejoining because of Angela Rayner.

[@GB-si7db]

What a great set of presenters. You both get the best out of your guests. Not easy to do

[@stanwilson8089]

What a person Angela is.I'm so glad she is my member of parliment.Every question answered instantly with no um's and err's.

[@ralphzimmermann]

I have been looking everywhere for this episode, and they hadn't released it yet LOL. perfect listening while I do some woodwork!

[@tinmachine693]

I just put my plane down to lie on the sofa and listen to this

[@ralphzimmermann]

I got a solid amount of plaining and sanding done during this LOL thanks to blue tooth ear defenders!@@tinmachine693

[@JaffaHeckle]

Wow. This interview was amazing and inspirational.

[@Geoffreryoc]

Inspiring and gives me a renewed sense of hope for our countries future. The most honest example of integrity in a world of smoke and mirrors.

[@carrie4696]

I see so much I can relate to in Angela Rayner. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that way about a front bencher. She’s lived a real life and she’s where she is in no small measure because the there were mechanisms in place to catch the vulnerable young people falling through the gaps, because society did care enough to provide - not enough but it was there. As it was for me too. It’s not there for the generation of young people growing up now. They’re on their own and it’s heartbreaking.

[@mikepilavachi432]

This is so good. Honest, human, kind, passionate and authentic. A pleasure to watch.

[@DarrenJamiesonJamieson]

Did you know that people become goofy by riding unicorns.

[@ER1CwC]

Really interesting and revealing discussion starting at 41:00. Rayner and Stewart were talking a bit past each other, but I think they did so partly due to their divergent class backgrounds, and not just their political differences.

[@simonmcglary]

An MP with real life experience, takes nothing for granted but is realistic about the world in general.

[@gerryedwards9738]

"Council houses....." Everything after that had me in tears. We need a parliament full of politicians like this! Honest, direct, experienced in hardships.

[@peterdale7896]

Like many, i am here because i no longer read any national newspapers or follow any particular news channel in the UK. Excellent interview of Angela Rayner where we actually learn something about her and her background.

[@guyphillips13]

I have always respected Angela but has risen tenfold after listening to this. Authentic, intelligent and empathetic. I genuinely think British society has ingrained classism and has become so conditioned to hearing posh accents in leadership positions that they doubt the intelligence and ability of Northern voices. (I’m from South Manchester but lived in London for the last 5 years)

[@matthewframpton8737]

More authentic humanity & modesty in this SINGLE interview with AR - than was possessed by the entirety of the various members of the Conservative Cabinet from this whole parliament. You don't have to love Labour in order to be DESPERATE to see some REAL Humans in power - instead of this treadmill of Private-Schooled, elitist, out-of-touch, self-serving sociopaths we have had over the last 15 years.

[@ebismusic8813]

I absolutely bloody love this channel

[@michellebarbour5777]

Great interview. Loved that Angela had two old, nervous white men behind a desk: Rory showing his fear by arms above head, scratching his hair and Campbell wrapping his arms around his chest in fear, when he knows he's met his equal. Rayner believing in Starmer gives me hope. I now know how I'll vote, for sure. Brilliant, honest woman. Any doubt in Starmer- gone. If Rayner believes in him and can explain why Corbyn lost, so truthfully and well. No contest for me.