Housing Secretary Angela Rayner resigns after sleaze report on property dealings

Angela Rayner has resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary following the publication of a report into her past property transactions. The findings, delivered to Sir Keir Starmer by ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus, focused on allegations that Rayner underpaid significant sums in stamp duty.

Rayner’s position had become increasingly uncertain in recent days. Sir Keir refused to rule out her dismissal on Wednesday, stating instead that he would act once he had reviewed Sir Laurie’s conclusions. The release of the report appears to have brought matters to a head.

The situation escalated after legal representatives challenged Rayner’s attempt to shift responsibility for the stamp duty dispute onto them, describing her approach as an effort to make them “scapegoats.”

Rayner’s resignation, which includes her role as Deputy Labour Leader,  is a setback for the Prime Minister. As one of Labour’s most recognisable figures, she played a key role in connecting the leadership with party activists and the wider electorate. Her departure creates both political and organisational difficulties at a time when the government is already contending with pressures over immigration policy and a volatile summer of protests.

In a move with potentially broader consequences, Rayner has also stepped down from her role as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. This post, unlike her Cabinet position, is elected by party members, and her exit will trigger a new contest. Depending on the candidates, this could either consolidate Sir Keir’s authority or expose fresh divisions within the party.

The Prime Minister’s spokesman confirmed that Sir Keir has received Sir Laurie’s report. “The Prime Minister will read it and act upon it. He has a reputation for being comprehensive and quick,” he said.

For now, Labour faces the dual challenge of managing the fallout from Rayner’s resignation while seeking to maintain unity and credibility as it heads towards the next general election.