Angela Rayner had an opportunity to test out the big seat today as the Deputy Prime Minister chaired Cabinet for the first time.
With Sir Keir Starmer at the G7 in Canada it was left to his number two to host the regular gathering of ministers in Downing Street.
It is the first time she has stepped up this way since Labour won power, and the first time a DPM has taken Cabinet since Dominic Raab stood in for the hospitalised Boris Johnson during the Covid pandemic.
It comes amid signs that Ms Rayner is the minister best placed to replace Sir Keir if and when he steps down.
Earlier this month she received a huge leap in popularity among Labour members after demanding tax rises in a leaked memo.
