Keir Starmer has expressed his support for Angela Rayner and cautioned critics against undermining her. Recently, the Deputy Prime Minister faced scrutiny over her tax affairs following the acquisition of an £800,000 flat in Hove, East Sussex.
Starmer defended Rayner, praising her as a shining example of British success. The Conservative party has called for an ethics inquiry into Rayner’s actions, alleging that she saved £40,000 in stamp duty by removing her name from a family property in Ashton-under-Lyne.
This move allowed her to avoid higher tax rates on her Hove property, which is considered a second home. Additionally, Rayner has declared her constituency residence as her main home, co-owned with her ex-husband and where her children reside.
Critics claim that this arrangement enables her to save around £2,000 in council tax on a Government-owned flat at Admiralty House in London, which is linked to her official position and would require her departure should she leave her role.
Despite the controversy, Rayner’s allies maintain her innocence and deny any wrongdoing. Downing Street cited a court order preventing Rayner from disclosing certain information, which she is actively addressing without revealing specific details.
Starmer passionately defended Rayner, highlighting her challenging upbringing and early motherhood, praising her journey to becoming Deputy Prime Minister. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Rayner’s achievements and condemned ongoing attempts to undermine her credibility.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson affirmed full confidence in Rayner, citing ongoing efforts to address transparency concerns raised by the court order. Rayner’s spokesperson reiterated that she fulfilled her tax obligations regarding the Hove property appropriately.
This situation reflects broader debates on transparency and accountability in public office, underscoring the complexities of political life and the scrutiny faced by public figures.
