The Conservative Party is demanding an official investigation. They are focusing on Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s tax affairs. This follows a newspaper report about a property purchase. Specifically, The Daily Telegraph published the story. It claims Rayner saved thousands in stamp duty. Consequently, Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake has written a formal letter. He asked the prime minister’s standards adviser to investigate.
According to the report, Rayner bought a flat in Hove. She designated this property as her main home. Therefore, she paid a lower stamp duty rate. This allegedly saved her approximately £40,000. There is no suggestion she broke any laws. However, the Conservatives call it “inappropriate tax avoidance.” They argue ministers must meet higher conduct standards.
A spokesperson for Rayner firmly denied any wrongdoing. They stated she paid the relevant duty “entirely properly.” The property in question cost £800,000. Reportedly, she paid £30,000 in stamp duty. Otherwise, she would have owed £70,000 if it was a second home.
The controversy centers on her declared primary residence. Officially, her council tax is for her family home in Ashton-under-Lyne. She reportedly no longer owns a stake there after her divorce. This detail is crucial for tax purposes. Meanwhile, as Housing Secretary, she oversees council tax policy.
Hollinrake’s letter to Sir Laurie Magnus alleges hypocrisy. He cites Rayner’s support for higher taxes on second homes. He also questions her true primary residence. Furthermore, he suggests her London grace-and-favor flat is likely her main home. He claims this breaches the Ministerial Code. The code requires ministers to keep their tax affairs in good order.
Separately, the Tories contacted Tameside Council. They want Rayner removed from the electoral roll there. Also, they argue she is not permanently resident. They claim she is registered at three addresses. The Electoral Commission allows multiple registrations in some cases. For example, students can be registered at term-time and holiday homes. However, mere property ownership does not establish residency.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock defended his colleague vigorously. He told LBC she has done “absolutely nothing wrong.” He emphasized that all her actions were fully within the law. The demand for a probe into Angela Rayner tax affairs adds to political tensions. The independent adviser must now decide whether to investigate the Angela Rayner tax affairs matter further.
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