UK PM Starmer Rejects Investigation into Chancellor Reeves' London Rental Breach

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declined calls for a full investigation into Finance Minister Rachel Reeves' failure to secure a mandatory rental license for her family home in Dulwich, South London. Reeves admitted to the oversight, apologized in a letter to Starmer, and promptly applied for the required license upon being informed of the requirement. Starmer, after consulting his independent ethics advisor, stated that Reeves' apology and immediate corrective action were sufficient to close the matter under the ministerial code of conduct. Opposition figures, including Conservative finance policy chief Mel Stride, criticized Reeves' position as untenable and demanded a thorough inquiry. The controversy arose just before the upcoming Budget announcement, adding political pressure on Reeves, who faces expectations to adjust fiscal policies amid worsening economic forecasts. Despite previous cases where landlords faced court action for similar breaches, Starmer has emphasized transparency and resolution through apology rather than formal investigation.