As Keir Starmer handed a brutal reposte to Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader, the reactions of the women seated either side of him were polar opposite. Flanked by Reeves and Rayner, the PM faced a question from Liz Saville-Roberts regarding his recent 'hard line' speech on immigration. The member for Dwyfor-Meirionnydd pointed to previous remarks made by Starmer supporting migrants and freedom of movement, contrasting them with quotes from his speech earlier this week.
"Is there any belief he holds which survives a week in Downing Street", she asked. Starmer rose to his feet and delivered a robust and uncharacteristically humorous response: "Yes, the belief she talks rubbish".
The response to his quip from Reeves and Rayner couldn't have been more different. Reeves burst into animated laughter, slapping her thighs and turning to colleagues on her left to share in the amusement. Rayner, meanwhile, sat emotionless and barely moved. There was a faint hint of a smirk breaking out initially, but she contained it and ended up looking almost bemused, slightly annoyed even. One would be forgiven for thinking that Starmer had just insulted her own mother (while Saville-Roberts is as English as Rayner, despite her adopted party, she is no relation).
Watch the clip below.
What can we read into Rayner's reaction at PMQs? Is her relationship with Starmer strained? Does she have aspirations for the top job? Was she merely a feminist upset that Starmer had made a disparaging remark to one of the girls?
One thing is for certain, Starmer needs to watch his back if he is to survive this parliament. If the vultures come for him, make no mistake there will be a member for Ashton-under-Lyne circling with the rest of them.
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