"I owe so much of my life to Labour"- Ashton-under-Lyne's MP Angela Rayner
Date published: 06 January 2020
Ashton-under-Lyne's MP Angela Rayner
Ashton-under-Lyne's MP Angela Rayner has today launched her deputy leadership campaign at the BridgeHall Community Centre in Stockport.
She opened her speech with how much it meant for her to be back in Stockport, on the estate she grew up on as a child.
"I wanted to make this speech here, on the estate where I grew up and lived for most of my life.
"I talk about my background because for too long I felt I wasn't good enough; I felt ashamed of who I was.
"It took me time for that shame to turn into pride."
The MP went on to mention how a quick fix of a new leader will not be enough for the party, that have to date, lost 4 elections in a row.
Angela added, "We must rethink and renew our purpose and how we convince the people to share it.
"Either we face up to these new times or we become irrelevant.
"The next five years will be the fight of our lives and I’m standing here today because I don’t run away from a fight.”
Asked why she's not running for Labour Leader, she said, "It's not about the position you hold in the party, it's about bringing the party together.
"Ive been an organiser all my life and I can deal with problems and tough questions.
"I think I can do that as deputy leader."
Angela Rayner confirmed she's supporting Rebecca Long-Bailey in the Labour leadership race.
She said, "It's no secret that for years me and Rebecca Long Bailey have been friends andi wasn't going to stand for everyone in the media and outside saying who's the better woman.
"Actually me and Becky are two fantastic women."
Five candidates are in the running to become Jeremy Corbyn's successor as leader- including, Emily Thornberry, Clive Lewis, Rebecca Long Bailey, Sir Keir Starmer and Jess Phillips.
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