Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner have condemned graffiti targeting Rayner's seaside flat in Hove. The vandalism includes the word "bitch" and a larger sign saying "tax evader!" painted on a white wall outside the property.
The graffiti appeared after Rayner admitted underpaying stamp duty on the seafront flat. Additional vandalism reading "Tax evader Rayner" and "Rayner tax avoidance" has been spray-painted on construction chipboard across the road from her home.
Official Response
A Downing Street spokesman said Starmer "condemns this vandalism in the strongest possible terms". The Prime Minister's office described it as "appalling that their private homes should be targeted in this way" regardless of parliamentary scrutiny.
Rayner's spokesperson called the vandalism "totally unjustifiable and beyond the pale". The spokesperson said neither Rayner nor her neighbours deserve "harassment and intimidation" and confirmed the matter would be handled by police.
Local Reaction
Local MP Peter Kyle, who serves as Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, expressed disappointment at the defacement. Kyle told PA Media that "Hove is better than this" and suggested proper channels exist for expressing concerns about Rayner, including reporting to the Commissioner for Standards.
Sussex Police confirmed they are treating the incident as criminal damage and are "proactively making enquiries". Officers will contact the homeowner to address concerns, with anyone having information asked to call 101 quoting serial 528 of 04/09.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
