Angela Rayner has been slammed for not helping to save an iconic beer garden despite Labour promising to "slash red tape to protect pubs". A Labour council has ordered the Trafalgar Tavern by the River Thames to remove roughly half of its outdoor seating for dining and drinking.

However, when the Tories asked if Ms Rayner would use her ministerial powers as Communities Secretary to intervene, Jim McMahon, the minister for local government, said it was “likely” that the decision would be issued “on behalf of the Secretary of State”, meaning without Rayner's involvement.

The iconic pub, which has regularly been named one of the best in Britain, has warned the Royal Borough of Greenwich decision could lead to dozens of job losses. It appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, which is expected to report back by October.

Most planning appeals are decided by inspectors without the need for ministerial sign-off, but in proposals with “substantial regional or national controversy”, the Communities Secretary can demand a final say.

In these cases, planning inspectors review the case and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who makes the decision. However, the Deputy Prime Minister is expected to let a planning inspector deal with the pub’s appeal on her behalf.

Kevin Hollinrake, the Shadow Communities Secretary, said: “Angela Rayner could save this pub from overzealous planning inspectors, but she’s actively choosing not to."

They added: “Labour has made a big song and dance about slashing red tape to protect pubs, but it’s clear they don’t practice what they preach. Business rates, the Employment Bill and the jobs tax are all set to push pubs across the country to extinction.

“If Labour are unwilling to back down in their war on the local, Rayner should at least step in to save this one.”

It is understood Ms Rayner could still choose to overrule the council, as she could intervene at any point before the decision is made by the Planning Inspectorate.