Angela Rayner has stepped down as deputy prime minister, housing secretary, and deputy Labour leader after admitting she underpaid stamp duty on her £800,000 Hove flat.
The resignation comes just two days after Rayner acknowledged the error and pledged to take “full responsibility.” She explained that it had “never been [her] intention to do anything other than pay the right amount,” but accepted that she fell short of the high standards expected of her office.
Prime Minister’s ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus investigated the matter and found that while Rayner had acted with integrity, she did breach the ministerial code. He noted that she had sought legal advice during the purchase of the property but failed to seek further specialist tax advice as recommended, particularly given her role as housing secretary and her “complex family arrangements.”
In her resignation letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Rayner wrote: “I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice. I did not meet the highest standards expected of me.”
Her departure is expected to trigger a significant cabinet reshuffle, reshaping the Labour government just months into its term.
Responding with a handwritten note, Starmer praised Rayner’s service, saying: “Although I believe you have reached the right decision, it is a decision which I know is very painful for you. You have been a central part of our plan to make Britain fairer for working families… I have nothing but admiration for you and huge respect for your achievement in politics.” He added that Rayner would remain “a major figure” within the Labour Party.
The resignation has already drawn political reaction. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch declared: “Angela Rayner is finally gone. But it’s only because of Keir Starmer’s weakness that she wasn’t sacked three days ago.”
Rayner’s departure marks one of the most dramatic moments of the new Labour government, underscoring the high expectations placed on senior ministers and the political risks of personal financial missteps.
