Keir Starmer has expressed support for his deputy, Angela Rayner, following her acknowledgment of an underpayment of tax on her second home purchase. Rayner avoided paying £40,000 in stamp duty on an £800,000 seaside flat in Hove by removing her name from the family property in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency. This action allowed her to avoid the higher tax rate for second homes on the Hove property.
In a recent interview, Rayner disclosed that she voluntarily reported the issue to the independent advisor on ministerial standards and considered stepping down from her position. She admitted that the legal advice she relied on was incorrect and vowed to settle any outstanding stamp duty owed to HMRC.
During a Sky News interview, Rayner clarified that she promptly notified the ethics advisor upon realizing her liability for additional stamp duty. She refuted claims of setting up a trust to evade tax, explaining that a tax expert confirmed the property remained solely hers and that no tax avoidance scheme was implemented.
In response to criticism, Starmer defended Rayner during Prime Minister’s Questions, commending her for initiating an ethics probe and highlighting her efforts in housing development. However, the Conservative party has called for an ethics investigation into Rayner’s tax affairs related to the flat purchase.
Rayner, addressing concerns about her government role, explained that she acted based on erroneous advice and promptly rectified the situation upon learning of the mistake. She cited a court order that previously restricted her from disclosing details concerning her living arrangements, which has now been lifted to provide transparency.
In a statement, Rayner discussed the complexities of her living arrangements and the trust set up for her disabled son following her divorce. The public is invited to express their opinions on whether the Prime Minister should continue to support Rayner through a poll.
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