UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner steps down, reports ITV political editor

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner steps down, reports ITV political editor

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has resigned following a tax scandal involving her purchase of a £800,000 flat in Hove, England. The resignation comes after weeks of speculation and a series of revelations about the underpayment of stamp duty. Rayner admitted to Sky News that she did not pay enough tax on the property and that she had considered resigning over the matter.

The controversy began when it emerged that Rayner had relied on incorrect advice regarding the tax implications of the purchase. She stated that she had been devastated by the discovery and had spoken to her family about quitting her job in government. Rayner's admission has put her under significant pressure, as her party struggles in the polls and faces a cost-of-living crisis [2].

The Labour Party has been rattled by a series of scandals, with four ministers resigning over misconduct since its election. Rayner's opponents have accused her of avoiding £40,000 in stamp duty by transferring ownership of her primary residence in northern England before buying the Hove property. The opposition has called for her resignation, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dismiss her [2].

Despite the calls for her resignation, Starmer defended Rayner, stating that she had gone "over and above" transparency requirements regarding her property dealings. However, the controversy has added to a growing list of scandals that have chipped away at Starmer's authority, fueling speculation over whether the government can hold on to its massive majority [2].

The outcome of an inquiry by the government's independent adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus, is expected to be released soon. The inquiry could determine whether Rayner violated the ministerial code by dodging £40,000 in stamp duty. If found to have breached the code, Rayner could face being sacked by Starmer [3].

Rayner's resignation is a significant blow to the Labour Party, as she is seen as one of its strongest political assets. Her appeal among working-class communities is a key part of Labour's strategy, making her potential downfall a significant blow to Starmer's leadership team [2].

The tax scandal comes as the Labour government grapples with slowing economic growth, discontent over cuts in welfare schemes, and frustration among voters who backed the party last year, hoping for sweeping change. Pollsters say Reform UK's surge signals deep public anger at mainstream parties, with Nigel Farage positioning himself as the voice of working-class Britons [2].

With the next election not due until 2029, Labour still has time to recover. However, Rayner's troubles add to a growing list of scandals that have chipped away at Starmer's authority, fueling speculation over whether the government can hold on to its massive majority [2].

References:
[1] https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3324219/starmers-deputy-pm-angela-rayner-considers-resigning-over-tax-error-us1-million-flat?module=latest&pgtype=homepage
[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/3/uk-deputy-pm-admits-underpaying-tax-as-opposition-seeks-her-dismissal
[3] https://www.the-sun.com/news/15120791/angela-rayner-on-the-brink-of-sacking/