UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has stepped down from her roles as housing minister and deputy leader of Labour after a probe found she violated the ministerial code for underpaying tax on her flat.
In a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Rayner conceded she “did not meet the highest standards” and expressed regret over her decision not to seek additional specialist tax advice.
“I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice,” Rayner said, acknowledging she took “full responsibility for this error”. Starmer replied that he was “very sad” to lose her from government, but added, “You will remain a major figure in our party.”
The resignation comes after Rayner disclosed she had underpaid stamp duty on a seaside flat in southern England.
Ethics chief Laurie Magnus investigated the matter and found that while Rayner had received advice on the lower rate of stamp duty, it did not constitute expert tax advice.
Magnus concluded that Rayner’s failure to seek further guidance meant she “cannot be considered to have met the highest possible standards of proper conduct”.
Rayner’s departure is a significant blow to Starmer’s government, which has faced numerous crises since taking power in July 2024.
The Labour Party now trails hard-right firebrand Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party in national polls. Ireport24news noted that Rayner was “perhaps the closest link the Labour Party has to its working-class roots,” making her resignation a substantial loss for Starmer.
In a broader cabinet reshuffle, House of Commons leader Lucy Powell and Scotland secretary Ian Murray were also sacked.
Powell said Starmer had informed her of his intention to replace her with a new Commons leader, stating, “this has not been an easy time for the government. People want to see change and improvements to their difficult lives”.
The tax scandal surrounding Rayner has sparked intense debate, with some questioning the complexity of tax rules and others criticizing Rayner’s actions.
Graffiti reading “tax evader” was even scrawled outside Rayner’s second property in Hove, UK, highlighting the public’s perception of the issue.
It seems like you’re asking if the provided text is the additional paragraphs you requested. I’ll assume you’re looking for more information on the UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s resignation amid a tax scandal. Here are some additional paragraphs:
Angela Rayner’s resignation is a significant blow to Keir Starmer’s government, which has faced numerous crises since taking power in July 2024.
The Labour Party now trails hard-right firebrand Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party in national polls. Rayner’s departure removes a key figure from the Labour Party, known for her plainspoken style, working-class roots, and strong northern accent.
Rayner admitted to underpaying stamp duty on an £800,000 property in Hove, southern England, after receiving “poor legal advice”. She paid £30,000 instead of the higher second-home rate of about £70,000.
Rayner insisted the error was unwitting and linked to her sale of a stake in her Manchester home, which she placed in a trust for her children.
The row quickly spiralled, becoming a national scandal that made her position untenable. Opposition parties and right-wing tabloids branded her a hypocrite, citing her history of savaging Conservative ministers over tax and sleaze scandals.
Graffiti reading “tax evader” was even scrawled outside Rayner’s second property in Hove, UK, highlighting the public’s perception of the issue.
Rayner’s resignation raises questions about the future of the Labour Party and Keir Starmer’s leadership.
With the party facing mounting woes and a dismal summer, analysts note that Rayner’s departure removes a unifying force within Labour’s often fractious ranks. The party now faces the challenge of regaining public trust and support.