Angela Rayner's £800k Flat Vandalised Amid Tax Underpayment Row

Angela Rayner, the UK Deputy Prime Minister, is facing political turmoil after admitting she underpaid stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat in Hove, East Sussex, due to relying on faulty legal advice. The controversy centers on her use of £160,000 from a trust set up for her disabled son, funded by an NHS compensation payout, which was used as a deposit on the flat. Following this admission, the property was vandalised overnight with graffiti accusing her of being a "tax evader" and using derogatory language, prompting shock and condemnation from local residents. Rayner has expressed deep regret over the mistake, referred herself to the Prime Minister's independent adviser on ministerial interests, and vowed to repay any owed tax. She also revealed the emotional toll the scandal has taken, including considering resignation and discussing it with her family. Despite consulting three legal experts prior to the purchase, it remains unclear if their advice fully accounted for the complex tax implications involved.