Angela Rayner denounces Tory ‘smears’ about claims she ‘distracts’ Boris Johnson provocatively

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said she would not let the briefings intimidate her (UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor)

Angela Rayner has accused Tory MPs of using anonymous briefings to spread “desperate, perverted smears” about her by claiming she has sought to distract the British Prime Minister provocatively in the Commons.

Boris Johnson, in a show of support for the deputy Labour leader, said he “deplored the misogyny directed at her anonymously”.