Angela Rayner Cleared in Tax Probe as Labour Leadership Contenders Emerge

Angela Rayner, Britain's former deputy prime minister and a leading Labour politician, declared she has been cleared of any deliberate wrongdoing in her tax affairs, paving way for a possible leadership challenge.

Rayner, who had been sidelined due to the tax issue, signals readiness to weigh in if a leadership contest is triggered against incumbent Labour leader, Keir Starmer. Starmer faces increased pressure from within his own party as numerous lawmakers urge him to step down following poor election results.

Other potential challengers include Wes Streeting and figures like Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband are also considered. The ensuing political turbulence has affected economic policies and investor confidence as the prospect of leadership changes loom.

(With inputs from agencies.)