Angela Rayner says no deal with Andy Burnham, as she's ‘cleared’ by HMRC

Angela Rayner Rules Out Burnham Pact as HMRC Clears Her Name

Published: 14th May, 2026

Angela Rayner has drawn a firm line under any leadership alliance with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, declaring there is "no deal" between them. Speaking in an exclusive interview with ITV News this morning, the Deputy Prime Minister also confirmed she has been formally cleared by HMRC following a lengthy tax investigation.

The remarks, aired just after 9am, come at a delicate moment for Labour as speculation swirls about the party's future direction.

"No Pact, No Arrangement"

Rayner was unequivocal when asked about reports of a secret understanding with Burnham. "There is no deal," she told the interviewer. "Andy and I have different views on how we take the party forward. That's healthy debate, not a pact."

Her words are likely to disappoint those who hoped the two northern heavyweights might form a united front against any challenge from the party's right. Burnham, who has kept his own leadership ambitions carefully ambiguous, has not yet responded.

HMRC Investigation Closed

The shadow that has hung over Rayner for months appears to have lifted. She stated she had received written confirmation from HMRC that the inquiry into her tax affairs had been concluded with no further action.

"I've been cleared," she said simply. "It's been stressful for my family, but the facts are now clear and I can get on with the job."

Downing Street sources welcomed the development, describing it as "long overdue". Opposition MPs, however, have already signalled they will press for full publication of the correspondence.

Leadership Ambitions Left Open

While she poured cold water on any Burnham arrangement, Rayner pointedly refused to rule herself out of a future leadership contest.

"I'm focused on delivering for the country right now," she said. "Never say never in politics."

Her comments will fuel fresh speculation that she could yet emerge as a contender should Keir Starmer's position come under pressure. Party insiders note her strong union links and working-class appeal continue to resonate with members.

What It Means for Labour

Rayner's intervention highlights the delicate balancing act facing Labour's top team. With the next general election still years away, internal positioning has already begun. A public split with Burnham risks reopening old divides between the party's metro mayors and its Westminster leadership.

Yet her clearance by HMRC removes one obvious line of attack from opponents. It also hands her a cleaner platform from which to speak on housing, workers' rights and regional devolution — issues she has made her own.

Next Steps

Burnham is expected to address the remarks when he appears at a business conference in Manchester later today. Meanwhile, Labour MPs will watch closely to see whether Rayner's robust tone signals a more assertive phase in her deputy leadership.

For now, the message from her camp is clear: business as usual, with one less distraction.

This is Erica Thornton for Global1.news, reporting from London. 🇬🇧

Source: ITV News via YouTube — 2026-05-14T09:13:09+00:00.