Angela Rayner has stepped down from her position in the Government, informing Keir Starmer that she bears full responsibility for her mistake regarding stamp duty.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary faced a crisis following her acknowledgment of underpaying tax on a flat she purchased in Hove, Sussex. Rayner admitted to the error, attributing it to an unintentional oversight and stating, “I acknowledge that I did not adhere to the highest standards in my recent property transaction.”
After self-reporting the issue to the independent standards advisor, a report was submitted to the Prime Minister today. While recognizing Rayner’s integrity and dedication to public service, Ethics watchdog Sir Laurie Magnus found that she had breached the ministerial code in relation to her tax affairs.
Rayner also informed the Prime Minister of her decision to resign as deputy Labour leader, triggering the need for an election to appoint a successor.
In her resignation letter to Keir, Rayner expressed gratitude for the support received and detailed her referral to the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards regarding her tax discrepancy. Despite acting in good faith and maintaining honesty and integrity throughout, she acknowledged falling short of the highest standards in her property purchase.
Citing the negative impact of media scrutiny on her family, Rayner emphasized her commitment to protecting her children and the strain imposed by remaining in her position. Consequently, she chose to resign from her roles as Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
Reflecting on her journey from a council estate in Stockport to government leadership, Rayner highlighted the significance of her political career in advocating for working-class communities and effecting positive change. She underscored her efforts in government to improve workers’ rights, renters’ protections, housing affordability, and devolution.
Rayner expressed pride in her legislative accomplishments and collaboration with her team, pledging to continue serving the country and the Labour Party in the future.
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