Angela Rayner has resigned from her positions as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary following an investigation into her tax affairs. The Labour politician has also stepped down as deputy leader of the party, a role she was elected to by members.
Her departure comes ahead of the publication of a report into her tax affairs from the Prime Minister's ethics adviser. The investigation relates to an alleged stamp duty underpayment on a house sale.
GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope described the resignation as catastrophic for the government. "It is a huge blow to the Labour Party, they have essentially lost a conscience of the working class at the top of the Labour Government," he said. "It's a disaster for Sir Keir Starmer and a disaster for them."
Political crisis unfolds
Hope argued that Rayner had been "hoist by her own petard" given her previous criticism of Conservative politicians over their tax issues. "She was highly critical of Conservatives over their own tax issues," he explained. "This Government is in trouble."
According to the BBC, the resignation creates "huge questions" for Sir Keir Starmer's leadership at a critical time for the government. Rayner had been on the Labour frontbenches since 2015 and assumed her government roles in July 2024 when the party won the general election.
The Prime Minister received the ethics adviser's report this morning, meaning he acted within hours of receiving it. However, it remains unclear whether Rayner was sacked or chose to resign voluntarily.
Cabinet reshuffle expected
Hope described Rayner's story as "extraordinary" after she left school as a pregnant 16-year-old before working her way up to become Deputy Prime Minister. Her departure represents a significant loss for Labour's working-class representation at the highest levels of government.
A Cabinet reshuffle is expected in the coming days as the government attempts to restore order following the high-profile resignation. The timing of the departure, so early in Labour's term, has intensified scrutiny of Starmer's leadership and the party's handling of ethical issues.
The situation creates particular confusion as Rayner held the elected position of deputy party leader since 2020, in addition to her government roles appointed after the election victory.
Sources used: "GB News", "BBC", "Daily Record", "Chronicle Live" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
