Former UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner Resigns Over Tax Underpayment Amid Commons Tribute

Angela Rayner, former Deputy Prime Minister and Labour deputy leader, gave her resignation speech in the House of Commons following a scandal over unpaid stamp duty on a property purchase. She acknowledged the mistake, attributing it to complex tax arrangements related to a trust for her disabled son, and pledged to take full responsibility by cooperating with HMRC to pay the owed taxes, exceeding £40,000. Rayner emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability for senior politicians and expressed her commitment to continue serving her constituents with determination and socialist values. Her speech received significant support from Labour MPs, including Cabinet ministers, though Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was notably absent. Rayner highlighted her pride in serving at the highest government level and underscored the impact of politics in changing lives, referencing her emotional experiences responding to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Despite stepping down, she called for Labour to be bold in power and hinted at the possibility of returning to government in the future.