UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner Resigns Over £40K Property Tax Breach

Angela Rayner, the U.K. Deputy Prime Minister, Housing Secretary, and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, resigned after an independent inquiry concluded she failed to meet ministerial ethical standards related to underpayment of stamp duty on a property purchase. Rayner admitted to underpaying £40,000 in stamp duty on an £800,000 flat in Hove by declaring it as her main residence instead of a second home. She accepted full responsibility for the error, citing her failure to seek specialist tax advice despite her complex family arrangements and her government position. The independent ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, acknowledged her integrity and dedication but stated that her actions fell short of the highest standards expected of government ministers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed sadness over her resignation and praised her contributions and decision to refer herself to the ethics adviser. Rayner emphasized the toll the media scrutiny had taken on her family and expressed regret for the situation, ultimately deciding to step down to protect her family and uphold the standards of public service.