Angela Rayner is reportedly plotting a huge political comeback after quitting earlier this year. It is said that the former housing secretary and deputy prime minister, who was revealed to have not paid a £40,000 stamp duty bill, has discussed repeated approaches from MPs supportive of the idea of a “joint ticket” with health secretary Wes Streeting with several of her supporters. The purported plan would involve Ms Rayner accepting a Cabinet role, including a potential return to the deputy prime minister job, if she supports a future Streeting leadership bid against Sir Keir Starmer.

Sources close to Streeting and Rayner have dismissed the rumours. The supposed plot could also mean jobs for Ed Miliband or former transport secretary Louise Haigh. The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, could get a seat as well, according to one Parliamentary source on Labour’s soft left. It comes after, in November, Streeting was forced to deny plotting to unseat Sir the prime minister.

Streeting allies are reportedly trying to convince Rayner to sign up to a plot (Image: Getty)

He also criticised a “toxic” culture in Downing Street after anonymous briefings against him.

It was reported that the attacks on Mr Streeting were a ploy to warn off potential leadership contenders, although the Prime Minister has said he was assured they did not emanate from No 10.

Sir Keir dismissed talk of leadership challenges as “wasted” time.

He said: “My message would be very much that every minute that we are not talking about the cost of living, and straining every sinew to ensure that those that need our help in relation to the cost of living and feeling better off, and having a better health service, and feeling safer and more secure in their community, is a minute wasted.”

A spokesman for Mr Streeting told The Telegraph: “This is a silly season story and completely untrue.

“Wes’s entire focus is on getting the NHS through this winter, and the only deal he’s interested in doing is with the resident doctors to avert strikes.

“People appear to be getting carried away and misinterpreting his support for Angela as something other than supporting a good person going through a difficult time.”

A source close to Ms Rayner said: “There is no vacancy and there is no pact.

“Amidst all the stirring and silly games, Angela is focused on representing her constituents and ensuring that this Government delivers. Angela is made of tough stuff and she will not be played like a pawn.”