Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has admitted she underpaid stamp duty on the £800,000 seaside apartment she owns in Hove.
Rayner confirmed on Wednesday that she had applied the incorrect tax rate at the time of purchase, describing the error as unintentional.
Referral to the prime minister’s ethics adviser
In a statement, Rayner said she had referred the matter to the prime minister’s independent adviser on ministerial interests to ensure full transparency.
I acted in good faith but recognise that the incorrect duty was paid, and I have now taken steps to resolve this.
Political pressure mounts
The admission follows several days of media scrutiny over the transaction, which has raised questions about Rayner’s position within government.
Critics argue that the error undermines her authority as both Deputy Prime Minister and Communities Secretary, roles that involve oversight of housing and local governance. Supporters, however, insist the mistake was a technical oversight rather than deliberate avoidance.
With the issue now under review, the controversy risks distracting from Labour’s domestic agenda just months into government.
The prime minister’s office has not yet issued a formal response, but analysts believe the outcome of the ethics probe will be decisive in shaping Rayner’s political standing.
(This is a developing story.)
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