Labour Deputy Angela Rayner Faces Sack Over Tax Investigation

Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Labour's housing secretary, is facing significant political pressure following revelations that she underpaid £40,000 in stamp duty on a seaside property. Rayner claims she acted on legal advice from conveyancers and trust law experts, though the conveyancing firm involved denies providing tax advice and says it has been made a scapegoat. An independent ethics investigation by Sir Laurie Magnus is imminent, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stating he will act on the findings, potentially leading to Rayner's dismissal. The controversy intensifies internal Labour tensions, with Rayner's future now a critical test for Starmer's leadership amid existing party divisions and election challenges. Supporters highlight Rayner's working-class background and political resilience, while critics point to the damage caused by her tax issue, particularly as Labour prepares for the upcoming Budget. The outcome of the ethics probe will likely determine Rayner's political fate and impact Labour's efforts to unite and regain public trust.