Angela Rayner has acknowledged that she did not pay the correct amount of stamp duty on her second home purchase and has voluntarily referred herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards.
During an interview with Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, the deputy prime minister became emotional as she revealed that she had received inaccurate tax advice and discussed the possibility of stepping down with her family.
Ms. Rayner, who also serves as the housing secretary, has come under scrutiny following a report in The Daily Telegraph alleging that she avoided £40,000 in stamp duty on a flat in Hove by transferring her name from the deeds of another property in Greater Manchester.
In a detailed statement released recently, she explained that her living situation was complex, as her first home was sold to a trust after her divorce in order to provide stability for her teenage son, who has lifelong disabilities and is the sole beneficiary of the trust.
Initially, legal advice suggested that the standard rate of stamp duty applied, but after media reports emerged, she sought expert counsel who advised that additional tax was owed.
Although these matters were initially confidential, she took steps to lift the confidentiality in the interest of public transparency.
In a subsequent interview with Beth Rigby, a visibly upset Ms. Rayner shared, «I’ve been in shock because I believed I had followed all the correct procedures and relied on the advice I was given. I am devastated because I have always strived to adhere to the rules and have taken pride in doing so.»
She continued, «It is devastating for me, especially considering that the confidentiality clauses were in place to protect my son, who, through no fault of his own, is vulnerable and has life-changing conditions. I do not want him or his daily life to be subjected to such intense scrutiny.»
When asked if she had considered resigning rather than disclosing details about her son, the cabinet minister responded, «I discussed it with my family, including my ex-husband, who has been incredibly supportive as he knows that all I have ever done is try to support my family and assist them.»
PM supports Rayner
The statement was released shortly before the first PMQs following the summer recess. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called on Sir Keir Starmer to dismiss his deputy.
Sir Keir, however, stood by Ms. Rayner, expressing his pride in working alongside her.
He stated, «I am very proud to work alongside a deputy prime minister who is overseeing the construction of 1.5 million homes, advancing the most significant upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, and who has risen from a working-class background to become the deputy prime minister of this country.»
Watch and listen to the full Electoral Dysfunction interview on Wednesday afternoon – www.podfollow.com/electoraldysfunction