Angela Rayner Quits UK Deputy PM, Housing Secretary Over Stamp Duty Row
An ethics probe finds Angela Rayner breached the Ministerial Code over stamp duty; she resigns, citing media pressure.
Angela Rayner, 45, stepped down as the UK's Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary on Friday following an independent ethics inquiry that found she underpaid stamp duty on a seaside home in Hove, breaching the Ministerial Code. The probe, led by Sir Laurie Magnus, concluded Rayner failed to seek specialist tax advice despite cautions in her legal guidance, leading to an estimated £40,000 shortfall.
The issue stemmed from classifying the property as her primary residence, exempting it from a second-home surcharge, while another family home was held in trust for her disabled son.
In her resignation letter, Rayner expressed deep regret, denying intent to underpay but citing media pressure on her family. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a handwritten response, praised her as a "trusted colleague and true friend" and accepted her decision, noting she referred herself to the inquiry. Magnus described the breach as "highly unfortunate" but affirmed Rayner's integrity and public service commitment, though it fell short of the code's "highest standards".
Also Read: Starmer Rallies Europe Before Trump–Zelenskyy Summit
Rayner, Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, will shift to the backbenches but remain a "major figure" in the party. Her exit forces Starmer into a Cabinet reshuffle amid weeks of media scrutiny. The scandal highlights ethical scrutiny in UK politics, potentially reshaping Labour's top team as Starmer navigates his early tenure.
Also Read: Alisha Abdullah Criticizes BJP Tamil Nadu Unit Over Minority Exclusion
