Prime Minister Keir Starmer is backing his deputy, Angela Rayner, as an independent ethics probe examines her admission that she underpaid stamp duty on an £800,000 flat in Hove.
After weeks of scrutiny over her property arrangements, Rayner said she initially relied on legal advice indicating she was liable for standard stamp duty, but sought further opinion from a leading tax counsel once questions were raised. She has since referred herself to the government’s independent ethics adviser, who is expected to interview her in the coming days.
Angela Rayner faces inquiry over Hove flat tax; Starmer resists calls to sack
The controversy centers on reports that Rayner avoided roughly £40,000 in stamp duty by removing her name from the deeds of a family home in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, classifying the Hove flat as her sole property while still spending time at the family address. Rayner says she believed she had complied with the rules and describes the shortfall as an error stemming from incorrect advice.
Starmer, who praised Rayner for referring herself to the ethics adviser, is said to believe that dismissing her before the inquiry concludes would hand critics a “scalp” and undermine his commitment to fairness and due process. A senior ally has signaled the prime minister’s sympathy for Rayner’s position, while noting the outcome ultimately lies with the independent investigation.
The political reaction has been sharp. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged Starmer to sack his deputy, arguing that tax evasion should be treated like any other fraud. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson declined to prejudge the case, saying it is right for the independent adviser to examine all facts before any decision is made.
In an emotional broadcast interview, Rayner said she was “in shock” and “devastated” by the episode, insisting it was not a “tax dodge” and reiterating that she has sought to uphold the rules throughout her career.
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