Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, has admitted to underpaying property tax on a flat purchase in Hove, southern England, worth £800,000.
The tax error, attributed to “inaccurate” legal advice, potentially saved her £40,000 in stamp duty.
Rayner, also the Minister for Housing, referred herself to the government’s ethics adviser and alerted tax authorities.
Rayner explained that she removed her name from the deeds of a separate property in her constituency, making the new flat her sole home at the time of purchase.
However, her legal advisers failed to fully account for her personal financial circumstances, including a trust fund set up for her disabled son.
“I’ve been in shock, really, because I thought I’d done everything properly.
”I relied on the advice that I received, and I’m devastated because I’ve always upheld the rules and always have felt proud to do that, ” she said.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed Rayner, saying she had gone “over and above” in setting out the details of her property affairs.
“I’m proud to sit alongside her. I know how difficult that decision was for her and her family, but she did it to ensure that all the information is in the public domain.”
The controversy surrounding Rayner’s tax affairs has sparked calls for her resignation, with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch telling Starmer to fire her if he had a backbone.
An investigation by the government’s independent adviser on ministerial standards will determine whether Rayner breached the ministerial code.
Rayner’s political future might hinge on the investigation’s outcome.
As a potential future leader of the Labour Party, her admission has sparked debate about her suitability for the role.
The Labour Party has faced criticism over several scandals since taking office, including four ministers resigning over misconduct.
Starmer’s government is also struggling with slowing economic growth and discontent over welfare scheme cuts.
