Housing Secretary Angela Rayner criticized Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during a speech at the Labour Party conference, accusing him of relying on wealthy donors rather than championing working-class interests. Rayner claimed that Reform UK had opposed Labour’s efforts to build council housing and suggested that Farage’s party was beholden to "crypto-billionaire sugar daddies" funding his campaign.

Rayner also used the platform to outline plans to address the issue of empty privately owned homes, confirming government intentions to seize such properties. She reiterated a commitment to reform the leasehold system, a policy she had previously pledged before her brief departure from the Cabinet amid a tax-related controversy involving underpaid stamp duty.

Returning to the Cabinet months after stepping down, Rayner emphasized her pride in being part of Labour and framed her speech around the party’s broader commitment to increasing affordable housing. She has often been regarded as a prominent figure on Labour’s left wing and is sometimes referred to as the "Red Queen" within party circles.

The speech, however, drew criticism from opposition parties. Shadow Housing Secretary Katie Lam called Rayner’s return to the Cabinet "scrambling" to uphold Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes. A Conservative MP accused Labour of offering no respite from tax increases, highlighting expectations of more council tax rises under Labour’s plans. The MP also referenced Labour’s conference theme, "hope again," saying Rayner’s address failed to inspire optimism regarding fiscal policy.

Labour’s focus on housing reform and property taxation positions the party to challenge both Reform UK’s stance and the current government’s approach to housing shortages and market speculation. The debate over housing policy remains a key issue in the UK’s political discourse, with parties competing to present solutions for affordability and availability amid growing demand.