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Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, Angela Rayner has stepped up as shadow education secretary, following the resignations of both Pat Glass and Lucy Powell in the last few weeks.

 

Aged 36, Angela is also taking on the role of equalities spokesperson, reflecting the responsibilities of the government’s secretary of state for education and minister for women and equalities, Nicky Morgan.

 

Angela grew up in a council estate in Stockport and fell pregnant at 16. She claimed to be NEET - not in education, employment or training - and had no GCSEs at grade A to C. She also recalls being told that she would never amount to anything.

 

“If only they could see me now,” she told reporters.

 

Prior to her election as MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015, Angela gained an NVQ in care and started work as a care worker for Stockport council. She then moved on to become trade union rep for Unison before being promoted to senior steward.

 

The Sure Start programme was crucial in supporting her return to education as a single mother and she is consequently an ardent advocate of the scheme.

 

Angela’s early life has seemingly shaped her passion to provide every child with the best possible start.  

 

“I want to inspire the next generation to come in and be the scientists and MPs and world leaders because they deserve to be,” she told Schools Week.

 

“Every child, no matter where they are in the UK, has an absolute right to do the best they possibly can.”