Fresh twist in stamp duty crisis as Starmer declines to commit to Rayner

LocalPolitics
5 Sep 2025 • 3:58 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • Angela Rayner admitted underpaying stamp duty by £40,000 on her £800,000 Hove flat, attributing the error to incorrect legal advice.
  • She has referred herself to Sir Keir Starmer's standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, whose report on the matter is anticipated soon.
  • Sir Keir Starmer has declined to commit to Ms Rayner remaining in her post until the next election, stating he will act on the investigation's conclusions.
  • While Ms Rayner's team claims she received legal advice confirming her stamp duty was correct, the conveyancing firm involved denies providing tax advice.
  • The controversy has led to mixed reactions, with some Labour figures expressing support while a former government ethics adviser suggested her role as Housing Secretary is now untenable.

IN FULL