Angela Rayner Gets a Makeover While Starmer Faces No10 Meltdown – Video

Just hours before Downing Street exploded in fresh scandal and the Prime Minister's most trusted aide abruptly quit, one of Labour's most controversial figures was seen getting a glossy new makeover — on camera.

Angela Rayner, the 45-year-old MP who has often been at the heart of Westminster storms, appeared in a bubbly hair transformation video that has left some viewers stunned — not just by the timing, but by the striking contrast with the chaos unfolding in Government.

Angela Rayner makes a speech at the Titanic Hotel on 25 January 2026 in Liverpool, England. | Source: Getty Images

In the light-hearted clip, shared to social media, Rayner is all smiles as she casually asks for "the usual." That, her stylist explains, includes a copper colour touch-up, a semi-permanent dye to hide the roots, a blow-dry, and a light trim to leave her fringe looking "feathery".

A screengrab of Natalie Jones' video, dated 8 February 2026. | Source: TikTok/natalie.blows51.jones

Halfway through the video, the scene jumps to Rayner seated at the stylist's chair with her transformation complete — visibly pleased with the results, wearing her signature grin.

A screengrab of Natalie Jones' video, dated 8 February 2026. | Source: TikTok/natalie.blows51.jones

It's unclear exactly when the video was filmed. But the footage was posted just hours before Labour was rocked by the shock resignation of Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.

McSweeney stepped down in the wake of growing outrage over Lord Peter Mandelson's links to disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, taking "full responsibility" for Mandelson's controversial appointment as Britain's ambassador to the United States — a decision he admitted was "wrong".

Former Downing Street Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney arrives into Downing Street on 26 October 2025 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

The departure of McSweeney marks the second high-profile Downing Street exit under Starmer's premiership, following the bitter resignation of Sue Gray in October 2024.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister struck a respectful tone, issuing a statement on Sunday, 8 February, hailing McSweeney's impact.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street for the House of Commons to attend the weekly Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on 9 October 2024 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

"It's been an honour working with Morgan McSweeney for many years," Starmer said. "He turned our party around after one of its worst ever defeats and played a central role running our election campaign."

The Labour leader went further, crediting McSweeney's loyalty, leadership and dedication with helping to deliver the party's stunning 2024 election victory. "Our party and I owe him a debt of gratitude, and I thank him for his service."

rime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech at Horntye Park Sports Complex on 5 February 2026 in St Leonards-on-Sea, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images

But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wasted no time in publicly challenging Starmer's handling of the Mandelson fallout, accusing him of shirking responsibility for the appointment.

"Once again with this PM it's somebody else's fault: 'Mandelson lied to me' or 'Morgan advised me'," she said. "Keir Starmer has to take responsibility for his own terrible decisions. But he never does."

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch speaks at a press conference in central London on 5 February 2026. | Source: Getty Images

As it stands, Starmer is now facing the most serious crisis of his 18 months in office, with the Epstein-Mandelson revelations sparking outrage from across the political spectrum.

Some Labour MPs are even said to be quietly questioning whether Starmer can survive the fallout — or whether it's time for new leadership.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer adjusts his glasses as he waits to deliver his speech at Horntye Park Sports Complex on 5 February 2026 in St Leonards-on-Sea, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images

Attention within the Labour Party has turned towards who might replace Starmer should he be forced to step aside — and Rayner is already reportedly moving into position.

The former deputy prime minister took aim at her own party's leadership during a heated Commons session this week, demanding that Downing Street hand over all documents related to Mandelson's appointment to the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC).

Angela Rayner speaks ahead of the launch of the Labour Party local election campaign by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at a distribution centre for Peak Pharmacy on 3 April 2025 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. | Source: Getty Images

Starmer had initially suggested that civil servants decide what should be released on national security grounds — but under pressure, he backed down and handed over the files.

Rayner, who served briefly as Starmer's deputy prime minister after Labour swept to power in summer 2024, was forced to resign in September 2025 after being found to have breached the ministerial code — failing to pay a £40,000 stamp duty bill on a flat she purchased.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner attend to launch the Labour Party's local election campaign at Peak Pharmacy, PCT Healthcare Ltd, on 3 April 2025 in Chesterfield, England. | Source: Getty Images

Despite her ambitions, public reaction to Rayner's resurgence has been far from enthusiastic.

"She cannot be labour leader she ruined herself with the tax avoidance," one viewer wrote. "We can't have a leader who does that, you've got to be honest and trustworthy. Sorry Angela, you are mad if you think you can be leader. [sic]"

Angela Rayner arrives in Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting on 15 July 2025 in London, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images

"Has checked her tax, how much was the fine. She isn't trustworthy so should not hold high office. Should resign as Mp and go back to union [sic]," another posted.

Others struck a more mocking tone. "Get the popcorn. All we can do now is watch and laugh and the ineptitude to come," one commenter said. "Becoming like Katie Price, always a camera around," another sneered. "Rough as rough can be," a third added.

Angela Rayner leaves Downing Street after attending the weekly Cabinet Meeting on 1 July 2025 in London, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, voters continue to reel from the ever-growing trove of documents tied to Epstein and the alarming disclosures they contain.

"God what a mess," one person wrote. "God help us," echoed another. "How can simple get this far? Only in Labour. Always short lived," a third chimed in.

As Starmer's grip weakens, other high-profile Labour figures have emerged as potential successors, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Armed Forces minister Al Carns, and Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell.

But with Rayner firmly back in the spotlight, cameras rolling and speculation swirling, the battle for Labour's future may already be under way.