Angela Rayner resigns as deputy prime minister over failing to pay enough tax on a flat in Hove, East Sussex

Angela Rayner resigns as deputy prime minister and housing secretary over failing to pay enough tax on a flat in Hove, East Sussex

She also resigns as deputy leader of the Labour Party, and a government reshuffle is now under way

Rayner, who is the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, referred herself to the PM’s ethics adviser earlier this week, after admitting underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat

In her resignation letter, she says she takes “full responsibility” for the “error” of not seeking further tax advice on the purchase

The ethics report finds Rayner breached the ministerial code and “did not heed the caution” in legal advice she received

Keir Starmer tells Rayner in a letter he’s “very sad” that her time in government has ended but she will remain “a major figure” in the party.
In full: Sir Keir Starmer’s reply to Angela Rayner’s resignation
Sir Keir Starmer has penned a handwritten reply to Angela Rayner in response to her letter resigning from government.

He wrote that he is “very sad” that her period in government and in the Labour leadership has “ended this way”.

The PM praised her work in government over the last 14 months, but said she reached “the right decision” to resign.

Here is Starmer’s letter in full:

Dear Angela,

Thank you for informing me of your decision to resign from the government. I am very sad that your time as deputy prime minister, secretary of state and deputy leader of the Labour Party has ended this way.

As you know, we acted in accordance with the strengthened system relating to ministerial conduct that we put in place on coming into government. You were right to refer yourself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards and right to act on his conclusion.

Although I believe you have reached the right decision, it is a decision which I know is very painful for you. You have given your all to making the Labour government a success and you have been a central part of our plan to make Britain fairer for working families. Your work at MHCLG to help build the homes that Britain needs has been hugely important, and your work to create more fairness in the workplace through the employment rights bill represents a very significant achievement that will change the lives of millions of people.

On a personal note, I am very sad to be losing you from the government. You have been a trusted colleague and a true friend for many years. I have nothing but admiration for you and huge respect for your achievement in politics. I know that many people of all political persuasions admire that someone as talented as you is the living embodiment of social mobility,

Even though you won’t be part of the government, you will remain a major figure in our party. I know you will continue to fight for the causes you care so passionately about.

My very best wishes and with real sadness,
Keir

Translate »