Unite the Union, the largest trade union in the UK and a key affiliate of the Labour Party, has voted to suspend Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's membership amid the ongoing Birmingham bin strike dispute. The union's general secretary, Sharon Graham, criticized Rayner for backing Birmingham City Council, which Unite described as a "rogue council" spreading misinformation about the strike. Delegates at Unite's conference also overwhelmingly voted to re-examine the union's relationship with the Labour Party in light of the dispute. However, reports indicate that Rayner had resigned her Unite membership several months prior, raising questions about the procedural basis for the suspension. The move reflects tensions within the Labour movement over the handling of the strike and Rayner's efforts to encourage strikers to accept a deal. Former Labour spokesman James Matthewson noted that Rayner's suspension was not unexpected given the delicate position she has held between union interests and government responsibilities.