By Burnett Munthali
UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has come under public scrutiny after it emerged that she initially consulted three experts before purchasing her £800,000 flat in Hove—a purchase for which she later admitted to underpaying stamp duty, the BBC reports.
According to sources, Rayner sought advice from a conveyancing specialist and two trust law experts, highlighting the complexity of her tax position. Despite these consultations, she ultimately underpaid stamp duty on the property.
Rayner, who also serves as Housing Secretary, originally paid £30,000 in stamp duty. She later acknowledged that the correct amount, considering the trust arrangements set up for her disabled son, should have been £70,000. The underpayment, therefore, amounted to around £40,000, sparking widespread political and public attention.
In response to the controversy, Rayner referred herself to the independent ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, and has been working with HM Revenue & Customs to correct the tax discrepancy.
The revelations have drawn criticism from opposition leaders. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called for her resignation, saying, “If the Prime Minister had a backbone, he would sack her.”
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Labour figures, however, have rallied behind Rayner. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised her for her transparency, noting that referring herself to the ethics adviser was the right step. Chancellor Rachel Reeves also expressed full confidence, emphasizing Rayner’s commitment to resolving the issue.
The case underscores the complexity of stamp duty rules, particularly when trust arrangements are involved. Analysts say it illustrates the challenges even senior officials face in interpreting property and tax law, and the importance of due diligence when navigating such matters.
Conclusion
While Rayner sought expert advice before purchasing her Hove flat, the flawed guidance she received resulted in an underpayment of stamp duty, igniting a political storm. The ethics investigation and HMRC’s review will be crucial in determining whether her transparency and corrective actions are sufficient to preserve her political standing—or if the controversy will have lasting consequences for her career.
