UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner Admits Tax Mistake on £800,000 Property Purchase
Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Minister, Angela Rayner, has admitted to a tax error related to the purchase of an £800,000 flat in Hove, southern England—an oversight that may have saved her as much as £40,000 in stamp duty.
Rayner attributed the mistake to “inaccurate” legal advice she received at the time of the purchase. In response, she has referred herself to the government’s ethics adviser and notified tax authorities of the error.
She clarified that she had removed her name from the deeds of another property in her constituency, making the Hove flat her sole residence at the time. However, her legal team reportedly failed to take her full financial situation into account, including a trust fund set up for her disabled son, which may have affected her tax liability.
“I’ve been in shock, really, because I thought I’d done everything properly,” Rayner said. “I relied on the advice I received, and I’m devastated because I’ve always tried to follow the rules and have always been proud to do so.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer came to her defence, saying Rayner had gone “over and above” in disclosing details of her property transactions. “I’m proud to sit alongside her. I know how difficult that decision was for her and her family, but she made it to ensure transparency,” he said.
The admission has triggered calls for Rayner’s resignation, particularly from the opposition. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch urged Starmer to dismiss her, claiming he would do so “if he had a backbone.”
Rayner is now under formal investigation by the government’s independent adviser on ministerial standards, who will determine whether she violated the ministerial code. The outcome of the inquiry could have significant implications for her political career.
As a prominent figure and potential future leader of the Labour Party, the controversy has raised questions about her suitability for higher office. Her admission comes at a time when the Labour government is already under pressure from multiple scandals—four ministers have resigned due to misconduct—and is facing criticism over sluggish economic growth and unpopular welfare cuts.
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