Angela Rayner resigns | What next for the Employment Rights Bill as Deputy PM quits?

Angela Rayner has resigned as Deputy Prime Minister, raising fresh uncertainty over the future of the Employment Rights Bill at a crucial stage of its passage through Parliament.

Rayner stepped down on Friday afternoon following controversy over her personal tax and stamp duty affairs. An independent inquiry concluded she breached the ministerial code by underpaying around £40,000 in stamp duty on an £800,000 flat, though it noted she acted in good faith and intended to cooperate fully with resolving the issue.

Her resignation also covers her roles as Housing Secretary and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

Rayner's departure comes just days before the Employment Rights Bill faces its next major hurdle, with the Commons due to debate amendments from the House of Lords on September 15th.

The legislation, a flagship Labour commitment, is designed to strengthen protections around job security, redundancy consultation and zero-hours contracts. But it has faced resistance in the upper chamber, where peers have questioned provisions they see as overly rigid or burdensome for business.