Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner vaping on an inflatable canoe has become the center of a heated political debate following photographs published in The Sun newspaper on August 23, 2025. The images show the Labour politician relaxing during her holiday while using an electronic cigarette, sparking accusations of government hypocrisy.
Holiday Photos Trigger Political Storm
The photographs show Rayner wrapped in a £175 camo pink Dryrobe, sipping a glass of chilled wine on the pebbles and vaping in a kayak during her summer break on the Sussex coast. The images quickly went viral on social media platforms, generating millions of views and thousands of comments across various news outlets and Twitter accounts.
Critics described the image of the Deputy Prime Minister reclining on a dinghy in a vest top, tattoo on show, while vaping as damaging to the country’s image. The photographs were taken during Rayner’s stay at her recently purchased £800,000 seaside apartment in Hove.
Vaping Industry Cries Hypocrisy
The controversy intensified when major vaping retailers accused the Labour government of double standards. VPZ, the UK’s largest vape retailer, accused Labour of hypocrisy as images emerged of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner vaping, while Government presses ahead with restrictive legislation.
Industry representatives argue that Angela Rayner being pictured vaping highlights the clear contradiction in the Government’s stance – senior figures can utilise vaping as a tool to reduce harm, while at the same time pursuing legislation that will restrict or even remove that choice from millions of other adults.
The “Vape Dragon” Nickname
This isn’t the first time Angela Rayner vaping habits have attracted public attention. Rayner has admitted she is known as “The Vape Dragon” by her children for her incessant use of electronic cigarettes. She previously opened up about her habit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023, where she discussed her journey from smoking to vaping.
Government Policy vs Personal Choices
The timing of the photographs proved particularly sensitive as the Labour government prepares to introduce sweeping new restrictions on vaping products. In May 2025, ASH asserted that the public overwhelmingly supports tougher measures, with 81% in favor of banning disposable vapes.
Industry Response and Support
Despite the controversy, some within the vaping community have defended Rayner’s choices. One vape shop owner described her as “not a ‘vape dragon’ but more of a ‘vape heroine'” and “a success story for an adult vaping correctly” as someone who used vaping to quit smoking cigarettes.
Public Reaction Mixed
Social media responses to the Angela Rayner vaping photographs have been divided. Some users expressed positive views, with comments like “Good to see Angela Rayner enjoying a vape on an inflatable canoe” receiving significant engagement on Twitter.
Media Coverage Impact
Following the much-publicised appearance on the beach in Hove, Angela Rayner has kept an unusually low profile. The photographs have dominated headlines across multiple news outlets and generated extensive discussion about political image management and personal freedoms.
The controversy highlights the complex relationship between personal choices and public policy, particularly as the government prepares to implement stricter regulations on vaping products while senior officials continue to use these same products privately.
This developing story continues to spark debate about government consistency and the future of vaping regulation in the UK. What are your thoughts on this political controversy? Share your views in the comments below and stay informed about the latest political developments.