Sky News paused as Angela Rayner dealt humiliating blow live on TV

Angela Rayner says she does not consider earnings from speaking engagements to be "a second job", having previously decried MPs for not focusing on their constituents. Speaking live on Sky News with Anna Jones on Wednesday, the former deputy prime minister - now housing secretary - said she was "focused on her constituents" during the time she received thousands - all declared appropriately - from speaking at events.

Rayner defended making over £100,000 from giving speeches while out of government, saying that it wasn't a second job. Sky News host Anna asked Rayner whether she should have been focusing on her constituents instead of making money from speeches. She began, "According to the Register of Public Interest you have made tens of thousands of pounds while you were out of government but still an MP.

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In opposition you said, 'MPs should not have second jobs and should focus on being an MP.' So is that hypocritical? Should you have focused on your constituents in that time?"

Angela Rayner says she does not consider earnings from speaking engagements to be "a second job", having previously decried MPs for not focusing on their constituents.

The former deputy prime minister - now housing secretary - tells Sky's @AnnaJonesSky she was 'focused on her… pic.twitter.com/wpUtpc5Rke

Rayner replied: "I was focusing on my constituents during that time, and you'll have seen from the [register of] members' interests, there was, I think around six engagements in 12 months for a couple of hours of speaking engagements. And that's all declared appropriately."

She added: "I don't consider that to have been a second job," and that she is "incredibly honoured to be back in government".

Viewers blasted the minister as one fumed: "Earnings are earnings. If it’s not a job, what is it? Did the money paid go on her tax return? Or was it cash in hand? Nonsense."

Another penned: "Its always do as I say not as I do. Politicians who make statements before in power who then completely contradict themselves when I power should have huge consequences."

"If you are being paid for performing this task or any task. Then it's classed as a second income and a second job. You are at it lady," a third hit back.

Another quipped: "So it's only a job if you consider it to be a job, I'll have to remember that one."

According to the Register of MPs Interests, Rayner made £105,250 in speaking fees during her 10 months out of government, but while still an MP.

She also made £2,400 from hosting a radio show, and £76,500 in an advance for writing a book.

As deputy Labour leader, Rayner said MPs should be banned from having second jobs and described them as a "racket". As the housing minister she will be unable to make money from speeches now she is a minister again.

She reportedly gave seven speeches between February and June, including a £20,000 fee for a speech to an industry association for estate agents.