A 63-year-old woman has been sentenced for sending threatening messages to former UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and her son. Elizabeth Harker, from Luton, admitted leaving voicemails and notes that were “grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character” on September 5, 2025 the day Rayner resigned as deputy prime minister and housing secretary.
The voicemails included sexually derogatory slurs and death threats. Harker also sent a handwritten note to another woman in Luton containing abusive language.
At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Judge Briony Clarke said Harker’s actions had a “significant impact on the two victims.” She received an 18-month community order with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 200 hours of unpaid work, and a 12-month alcohol treatment program. Harker was also banned from contacting Rayner or the other victim for five years.
Harker’s lawyer cited a long history of alcohol misuse over the past 30 years. Harker expressed remorse and sought help from Alcoholics Anonymous and her GP.
