Angela Rayner opens up on horrific threats as her teen children witness abuse
Deputy Labour Party leader Angela Rayner talks to the media in on College Green
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Angela Rayner has opened up about the horrific threats directed against her after three men were charged during a police abuse probe.
Labour’s deputy leader revealed a “whole unit” and two dedicated police officers have been dealing with her case.
Police took up the 43-year-old’s case after the Ashton-under-Lyne MP received a series of chilling messages last year.
Greater Manchester Police, Surrey Police and Kent Police have been working together on abuse directed at Rayner in an investigation dubbed Operation Octant.
Angela Rayner during the Labour leadership hustings at the SEC centre, Glasgow.
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Three men have so far been charged and another convicted, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed.
Stuart Kelly, 54, was put behind bars for eight weeks in April 2022 after leaving voicemails for Rayner which caused the mother-of-three to fear for the safety of her family.
Kelly made reference to Rayner’s Tory “scum” comments following the death of veteran Conservative MP Sir David Amess in October 2021.
Michael McGrath, 70, also pleaded guilty after sending an abusive email to Rayner’s office.
Labour's deputy leader later "unreservedly" apologised for her comments, adding: "I would not use it again."
Stuart Kelly leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court, London
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The former Shadow Education Secretary spoke openly about the toll the abuse is having on her and her three children.
Rayner said: “My sons now know they live in that environment.
“It's really sad because it's quite normal in my house now.
“My children are teenagers now and it's quite normal for them - the threats, the abuse.
A laptop user with their hood up
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"I think that's quite sad that it's normal for them and they see that as part and parcel of what I do. I see it as another part of what I put up with.
“I take it seriously but I don't take it too seriously because that's what they want."
Rayner made the comments at an event hosted by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
She also suggested female politicians receive more abuse than their male counterparts, irrespective of their political leanings, claiming: “Whether it's a Conservative MP, SNP or Labour it doesn't matter, it's mainly women that get the abuse.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer with deputy leader Angela Rayner, during their visit to Gillingham, Kent
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Labour’s deputy leader put pressure on social media platforms to “do more” to tackle anonymised online abuse and warned failing to address the issue could deter young people from entering politics altogether.
However, Rayner was also asked about whether a woman should succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader as she subtly addressed speculation about her own political ambitions.
The 43-year-old, who grew up on a council estate in Stockport and worked as a carer before switching to politics, said: “I do think we will get a woman leader.
“The talent is there. Whether it’s me or someone else, I will push to make sure there is a female leader after Keir Starmer.”