Angela Rayner Resigns Over Tax Underpayment on £800,000 Flat in Hove

Angela Rayner has resigned as Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Labour Leader, and Housing Secretary following revelations that she failed to pay sufficient tax on her £800,000 flat in Hove, East Sussex.

The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne had referred herself to the Prime Minister’s ethics adviser earlier this week after admitting she underpaid stamp duty on the property.

In her resignation letter, Rayner said she takes “full responsibility” for the mistake, acknowledging that she failed to seek further tax advice at the time of purchase.

An ethics investigation concluded that Rayner had breached the ministerial code and “did not heed the caution” given in legal advice she had received.

Labour leader Keir Starmer expressed sadness at her departure, writing that he was “very sad” her time in government had ended but insisted she would remain “a major figure” within the party.

The resignation has been described as devastating for Rayner personally and carries potentially serious political implications for the Prime Minister, according to chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman.

A government reshuffle is now under way following her exit.