Angela Rayner Defends Taxpayer-Funded Photographer

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has defended her decision to hire a £68,000-a-year personal photographer, arguing that the role is essential for public accountability by documenting her work and engagements. Despite her previous criticism of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's use of 'vanity photographers,' Rayner maintains that this hire helps address complaints about her visibility. In an interview on ITV's Lorraine, she emphasized the need to balance public awareness of her work with the potential perception of image projection. The decision has attracted scrutiny, especially as it surpasses the salary of the Prime Minister's official photographer by £20,000. Additionally, Rayner's department has faced allegations of circumventing hiring practices with recent appointments linked to financial contributions to the Labour Party. This controversy is part of a broader pattern of scrutiny surrounding Rayner's actions since taking office.