Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner faces an ethics investigation over property arrangements that saved her tens of thousands of pounds in taxes. The Conservatives have referred the Housing Secretary to Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister's independent adviser on ministers' interests, accusing her of "unethical" behaviour.
Rayner saved £40,000 in stamp duty when purchasing an £800,000 seaside flat in Hove by removing her name from the deeds of her Manchester family home beforehand. She also avoided paying £2,000 in council tax on her London grace-and-favour flat by maintaining her Manchester property as her primary residence.
Ethics probe launched
The Conservative Party accused Rayner of "hypocritical tax avoidance by a minister who supports higher taxes on family homes, high-value homes and second homes". They argue her behaviour was unethical given her role overseeing housing policy and her pledge to build 1.5 million new homes.
Rayner currently maintains three properties: her Manchester family home, a flat at London's Admiralty House, and the new Hove seaside property. The arrangements allow her to legally minimise her tax obligations while holding one of the most senior positions in government.
Housing Secretary's dilemma
The controversy creates particular tension given Rayner's role as Housing Secretary, where she regularly speaks about housing shortages and the need for more affordable homes. Some Labour MPs privately complain the situation puts them in a "tricky position" and "doesn't look good", according to The i.
Kevin Hollinrake suggested Rayner should recuse herself from government decisions on council tax for second homes. However, Stephen Kinnock defended her actions as legally compliant, though critics argue legal compliance doesn't address questions of appropriateness for a senior minister.
Property value confusion
Land Registry documents show Rayner's Manchester home increased in value from £375,000 when purchased in 2016 to over £650,000. However, The i reports the documents "do not appear to support the claim" that Rayner removed her name from the deeds, creating additional confusion around the arrangements.
The ethics investigation will now examine whether Rayner's property dealings meet the standards expected of government ministers, even if they comply with tax law.
Sources used: "GB News", "The i", "Express", "WalesOnline"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
