UK Homelessness Minister Rushanara Ali Resigns Over Rent Hike Controversy

Rushanara Ali, Britain's Minister for Homelessness, resigned from the government following reports that she evicted four tenants from a property she owns in East London and then relisted it with a rent increase of £700 per month. Despite her letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating she complied with all legal requirements and took her responsibilities seriously, the controversy was seen as a distraction from the government's work. Conservative and opposition figures condemned her actions as hypocritical, highlighting the contradiction between her public stance against exploitative landlords and her personal conduct. Advocacy groups for renters and homelessness urged her resignation, criticizing the timing amidst ongoing delays in renters' rights reforms. Prime Minister Starmer thanked Ali for her diligent work and noted the lasting impact of her efforts, including measures to repeal the Vagrancy Act. Ali will continue to support the government from the backbenches while representing her constituents.