Angela Rayner's resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary highlights the ongoing challenges within the Labour government following a tax scandal.
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In a significant political upheaval, Angela Rayner has resigned from her positions as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary following an ethics investigation that revealed a breach of the ministerial code. This decision, announced on September 5, 2025, comes after it was disclosed that she underpaid stamp duty on her seaside flat in Hove by £40,000.
The findings represent a substantial blow to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and are expected to trigger a Cabinet reshuffle.
The Breach of Ministerial Code
The investigation, led by Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent adviser on ministerial standards, concluded that while Rayner acted with integrity, she did not adhere to legal advice related to her property purchase.
In her resignation letter, Rayner expressed regret for failing to seek additional specialist tax advice, acknowledging her responsibility for the oversight.
Sir Laurie Magnus stated, “I believe Ms Rayner has acted with integrity… However, her unfortunate failure to settle her SDLT liability at the correct level leads me to advise that the Code has been breached.” This admission of a lapse in judgment ultimately compelled Rayner to resign from her roles.
Impact on Labour Government
Rayner’s resignation marks the eleventh departure from the Labour government since the general election in July 2024. Political analysts suggest that this incident may escalate existing tensions within the party. Following her exit, Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, predicted that divisions within Labour would become more pronounced in the aftermath of her departure.
“You can’t be Housing Secretary and avoid £40,000 worth of stamp duty,” Farage remarked, highlighting the political consequences of Rayner’s misstep. As the Labour Party gears up for another internal election, pressure mounts on Starmer to stabilize his leadership amid rising scrutiny.
Angela Rayner’s Political Journey
Rayner’s political career has been marked by her ascent from humble beginnings. Born into challenging circumstances, she emerged as a prominent advocate for working-class communities. In her resignation letter, she reflected on her journey, stating, “For a teenage mum from a council estate in Stockport, serving at the highest level of government was the honour of my life.”
Having joined the Labour Party as a union representative, she rose to become an MP in the 2015 general election. Known for her commitment to public service, Rayner has often been seen as a symbol of social mobility within the party. Her departure leaves a considerable gap in both leadership and the representation of working-class voices in government.
As the Prime Minister prepares for a Cabinet reshuffle, the future of Labour’s leadership remains uncertain. Rayner’s resignation highlights the challenges the party faces as it navigates internal conflicts and public scrutiny regarding its governance.
