Entrepreneur Deborah Meaden from Dragons’ Den has voiced concerns that the investigation into Angela Rayner’s tax affairs is diverting attention from more pressing matters. Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, is facing criticism for allegedly underpaying stamp duty by £40,000 on an £800,000 seaside property in Hove, claiming that she followed advice from her legal advisors. Only after consulting with a senior barrister did she realize the error in the stamp duty payment, with Labour leader Keir Starmer supporting her decision.
Rayner has voluntarily reported the matter to the independent ministerial standards adviser, Laurie Magnus, who is expected to submit his findings to Prime Minister Keir Starmer by Friday, September 5. Meaden, during an interview with LBC, expressed her support for Rayner while acknowledging uncertainty about her political future.
Meaden, with a net worth of £50 million, emphasized the importance of imposing a wealth tax to ensure that affluent individuals contribute their fair share to society. She stressed the need for wealthy individuals to fulfill their tax obligations without resorting to extensive tax avoidance practices, highlighting the significance of a balanced taxation system.
Regarding government policies, Meaden acknowledged that Labour’s initiatives address crucial business challenges but criticized certain decisions like the National Insurance increase impacting employers. Despite recognizing the importance of addressing business concerns, she emphasized the necessity for proper implementation and patience in evaluating the effectiveness of these plans.
In response to rumors about her potential candidacy for the 2028 London mayoral election, Meaden dismissed the speculations, stating that she is not considering running for the position due to her limited presence in London. She clarified that no discussions or considerations have taken place regarding her candidacy.