Henry Zeffman: Rayner’s political future under threat after stamp duty admission

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, has referred herself for an ethics investigation to the Prime Minister’s independent adviser on ministerial interests. This action comes amidst intense scrutiny and an admission related to past property transactions and stamp duty obligations. The referral aims to address persistent questions surrounding her previous living arrangements and the sale of a council house, followed by the purchase of another property. Concerns have been raised by critics regarding the accuracy of her declarations concerning her primary residence and whether all due stamp duty was correctly paid. While Rayner has consistently maintained that she complied with all relevant rules and legal requirements, the decision to self-refer underscores the mounting pressure and the perceived need for an independent review. Political observers suggest that the ongoing controversy, and the outcome of this ethics probe, could have significant ramifications for her standing within the party and her long-term political prospects. The inquiry will delve into the specifics of her property dealings to ascertain if any breach of the ministerial code or other regulations occurred. The findings of this investigation are anticipated to be crucial in determining the future trajectory of her career in national politics.