Angela Rayner has stepped down as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary following revelations that she underpaid approximately £40,000 in Stamp Duty on a second home in Hove.
The resignation, reported by Sky News, comes after an ethics investigation by the Prime Minister’s independent adviser found her actions breached the ministerial code.
The controversy began when it was disclosed that Rayner classified the £800,000 flat as her primary residence for Stamp Duty calculations, despite still legally co-owning another property in Greater Manchester via a trust set up for her disabled son.
Initially, she received and acted on legal advice that advised the standard (lower) rate of Stamp Duty was applicable.
However, subsequent counsel determined that the higher second-home rate should have been paid, prompting Rayner to refer herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards and to contact HMRC to rectify the error.
Rayner, who has served as deputy to Sir Keir Starmer since 2020, was a central figure in Labour’s General Election victory last year and one of the most prominent voices in government.
Her departure represents a significant blow to the party’s leadership team, amidst reported internal issues and public discontent.
