Sir Keir Starmer has defended Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner against mounting criticism over her property tax affairs, describing her as a "great story of British success". The Prime Minister said it was a "mistake" for people to brief against or talk down Ms Rayner amid headlines about her purchase of a flat in Hove.
Speaking to the BBC's Matt Chorley, Sir Keir praised Ms Rayner's journey from humble beginnings to high office. "Angela came from a very humble background, battled all sorts of challenges along the way, and there she is proudly - and I'm proud of her - as our Deputy Prime Minister," he said.
The Prime Minister added that the country should be "proud" of Ms Rayner, stating: "What a great story of British success that we are a country where Angela Rayner could be our Deputy Prime Minister."
Property purchase controversy
Ms Rayner, who also serves as Housing Secretary, faces scrutiny over her purchase of an £800,000 flat in Hove. She reportedly saved £40,000 in stamp duty because she removed her name from the deeds of a family property in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, making the Hove property the only one she owns.
The controversy deepened after reports that Ms Rayner also saved approximately £2,000 in council tax on her grace and favour home at Admiralty House in central London. She continues to consider the Greater Manchester property her primary residence despite no longer owning a stake in it.
The Mail On Sunday reported that Ms Rayner split ownership of her £650,000 constituency home with a trust administered by law firm Shoosmiths. The arrangement potentially allows her to place some of the house's equity in trust for her three children, though Conservatives have questioned whether the move was designed to avoid inheritance tax liabilities.
Political pressure mounts
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake has demanded Ms Rayner "come clean on the litany of accusations of tax avoidance, be it stamp duty, council tax or inheritance tax". The Conservatives are calling for the Prime Minister's ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, to investigate whether she has breached the ministerial code.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said people would appreciate clarity from Ms Rayner, stating: "I don't know the details of the house purchases, but the reason why people are asking, as they have been in my constituency, is that they're worried about hypocrisy."
When asked about briefing against Ms Rayner, Sir Keir said: "Angela has had people briefing against her and talking her down over and over again. It's a mistake."
Previous investigation cleared
Before the 2024 election, the Conservatives had urged HMRC to investigate Ms Rayner over tax payments related to selling her former council home almost a decade earlier. However, HMRC examined the matter at Ms Rayner's request and concluded there was no capital gains tax liability.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed on Monday that Sir Keir retains full confidence in Ms Rayner. The spokesman noted that a court order currently restricts her from providing further information, which she is "urgently working on rectifying in the interests of public transparency".
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
