Angela Rayner's Taxpayer-Funded Bodyguards Ferry Boyfriend Amid Security Risk Claims

Angela Rayner, former Deputy Prime Minister, has faced criticism for allegedly misusing taxpayer money after her publicly funded bodyguards were seen transporting her partner, Sam Tarry, and assisting in moving belongings between their two homes in an £80,000 BMW X5. The protection officers, who cost taxpayers thousands daily, were reportedly involved in moving a "small number" of possessions, a move justified by Rayner's spokesperson as potentially necessary for security reasons due to threats she has faced. Despite stepping down from the Cabinet last month following a scandal over unpaid stamp duty on her second home, Rayner has retained close protection officers citing ongoing security risks. Critics, including Tory politicians and the TaxPayers' Alliance, have called the use of public funds for such domestic tasks a "shameless" and inappropriate waste, urging investigation to ensure no rules were broken. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about the appropriate use of taxpayer-funded security for politicians and the responsibilities that come with it.