UK Deputy Prime Minister Resigns Over £40,000 Tax Breach

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister of Great Britain and a senior Labour Party figure, resigned after an independent investigation found she breached the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on a property she purchased in Hove. The ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, concluded that although she acted with integrity, Rayner failed to meet required standards by not seeking specialist tax advice despite legal warnings. Rayner admitted to the error, expressing regret and taking full responsibility, and stepped down from her roles as Deputy Prime Minister, Housing Secretary, and deputy leader of the Labour Party. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed sadness over her resignation and praised her for referring herself to the independent adviser, emphasizing adherence to the government's strengthened ministerial conduct system. The case attracted attention as Rayner had been a vocal critic of tax avoidance, particularly by previous Conservative governments. Her resignation marks a significant development in UK politics, with uncertainty remaining over her future roles within government or parliament.