Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has been cleared by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs, according to The Guardian. This clears the way for a potential leadership bid as Keir Starmer's grip on power weakens.
Key Takeaways
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs. She will pay an additional £40,000 in stamp duty but faces no penalty. This clears the way for a potential leadership bid as Keir Starmer's grip on power weakens.
- Angela Rayner cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over tax affairs
- She will pay an additional £40,000 in stamp duty but faces no penalty
- Rayner is seen as a potential challenger to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's leadership
Rayner initially paid £30,000 in stamp duty when she bought a flat in Hove with her partner in April 2025. However, it emerged that due to complex arrangements surrounding a trust for her disabled son, the flat should have been considered as her second home, meaning she was liable for an additional £40,000.
Rayner's lawyer stated that HMRC has been satisfied throughout its inquiry that she did not engage in deliberate tax avoidance. However, authorities were looking at two questions: whether she should have paid the higher rate of stamp duty and if she was 'careless' in arranging her tax affairs. HMRC found no carelessness but confirmed she owed the additional £40,000.
Rayner has accepted HMRC's assessment and will pay the extra amount. She is now free to play a full role in any leadership challenge to Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting expect him to challenge Sir Keir for the Labour leadership soon.
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