Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has declined to commit to sacking Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner if she is found to have breached the ministerial code over a stamp duty underpayment. This comes as Rayner faces intense scrutiny after admitting to an error in her tax payments on a property purchase, with the ethics adviser’s report expected imminently.
Angela Rayner referred herself to the Prime Minister’s standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, following revelations that she underpaid stamp duty on an £800,000 flat in Hove. She attributed the mistake to incorrect legal advice received during the conveyancing process, stating that she deeply regrets the error and is committed to resolving the matter with full transparency. The underpayment was uncovered after a review by a legal expert, which concluded that the initial advice was flawed.
The conveyancing firm involved, Verrico & Associates, has clarified that they did not provide tax advice but calculated the stamp duty based on the facts and information provided by Rayner. They emphasized that they acted in good faith and correctly according to standard practices. Rayner also consulted two experts on trust law, though their identities and the specifics of their advice remain undisclosed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the case.
In an interview with the BBC, Starmer emphasized that he would await the comprehensive report from Sir Laurie before making any decisions, expecting it to be delivered quickly. He defended the strengthened ministerial code and the role of the independent adviser under his leadership, insisting that the process must be allowed to run its course. Starmer stated that he would act on whatever conclusions the report presents, but refused to preemptively confirm whether a breach would automatically lead to dismissal.
Starmer rejected comparisons to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s handling of similar situations, such as the case with Priti Patel where she was not sacked despite a bullying finding. He highlighted key differences, including his efforts to strengthen the code and ensure self-referral by ministers for any issues. This stance has drawn criticism from opponents who accuse him of hypocrisy, given his past calls for accountability in such matters.
The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, has sharply criticized Starmer for what they perceive as a lack of backbone and hypocrisy. Badenoch called for Rayner’s immediate resignation or sacking, arguing that the admission of underpayment should have triggered swift action. She pointed to Starmer’s previous statements on ministerial integrity, suggesting a double standard now that he is in power.
Rayner has received public backing from Starmer and other cabinet members, who have expressed full confidence in her abilities. However, the political pressure is mounting, with Reform UK also joining calls for her resignation. The situation has been exacerbated by vandalism at Rayner’s flat, where graffiti labeled her a ‘tax evader,’ which Starmer condemned in the strongest terms.
The report from Sir Laurie Magnus is anticipated to be published soon, possibly within days, and will provide a detailed assessment of whether Rayner breached the ministerial code. Starmer has the authority to dismiss her from her roles as Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, but not from her elected position as Deputy Labour Leader, which adds a layer of complexity to any potential action.
This incident has sparked broader discussions about ministerial accountability, ethical standards in government, and the handling of such controversies. It underscores the challenges leaders face in balancing loyalty to colleagues with the demands of public integrity, and the outcome could have significant implications for the government’s credibility and political stability moving forward.