Rayner Admits Tax Error! Will It Cost Her Political Career?
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is facing scrutiny after admitting to underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove. The admission comes after weeks of mounting pressure and raises questions about her political future. Rayner says she relied on initial legal advice that didn't fully account for her family's situation in Greater Manchester.
The Details of the Tax Underpayment
Rayner explained that arrangements concerning her family home in Greater Manchester led her to believe she was exempt from the higher stamp duty rate typically applied to additional home purchases. She maintains that the underpayment was an honest mistake, not an attempt to dodge taxes, and has since contacted HMRC to rectify the situation.
Political Fallout and Calls for Resignation
The admission has sparked a political firestorm. While Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has publicly supported Rayner, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for her dismissal, deeming her position "untenable." The Conservative Party has also urged HMRC to launch a formal investigation into the matter.
Rayner's Defense and Personal Circumstances
Rayner has given interviews explaining the complicated personal circumstances surrounding the situation. She revealed that a trust was set up in 2020 to provide for her son, who has lifelong disabilities. Following her divorce in 2023, part of her interest in the family home was transferred to the trust, and in 2025, she sold her remaining interest to her teenage son's trust. She had to seek court permission to release these details.
What's Next for Rayner?
The future remains uncertain for Rayner. Tax experts suggest she may face a fine. She has referred herself for investigation by the PM's standards adviser. The outcome of the HMRC review and any potential penalties could significantly impact her standing within the Labour Party and her broader political career. The controversy also presents a challenge for Sir Keir Starmer, as Rayner is a key figure linking him to the left of the party and the unions.
- Rayner admits underpaying stamp duty.
- Political fallout ensues.
- HMRC investigation requested.