UK Deputy Prime Minister and housing minister Angela Rayner resigned this week after admitting she underpaid property taxes, known as “stamp duty.”
Rayner had referred herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards, and stepped down after his report found she acted “in good faith” but broke the Ministerial Code by failing to seek specific tax guidance.
Rayner paid £30,000 on an £800,000 apartment in Hove, though Magnus said the correct amount was £70,000. Rayner now faces a potential fine of up to £12,000 from HM Revenue and Customs.
“I take full responsibility for this misstep,” Rayner wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adding that the ongoing media pressure had taken a “significant toll” on her family. Starmer described her resignation as “very sad” but said it was right for her to act on the ethics report.
A former teenage mother from Stockport, Rayner was seen as a relatable figure who resonated with voters and was a key asset for Labour in appealing to working-class voters. Her departure is also notable because she resigned as deputy party leader, a position elected by party members, opening the door for a more outspoken left-wing lawmaker.
