Keir Starmer's ethics czar will not even consider an investigation into Angela Rayner's tax affairs until a mystery court order blocking her from discussing them is lifted, No10 signalled today.
The Tories have demanded Sir Laurie Magnus, the Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests, launch a probe into the Deputy Prime Minister's purchase of an £800,000 second home this summer.
Ms Rayner, who made her first public appearance today since the row broke, is facing questions about whether she paid enough tax on the seaside flat in Hove.
Tax experts suggested she may not have been eligible for a £40,000 stamp duty discount she received by saying it was her primary residence.
However, No10 says that she is being prevented by a legal gag order from speaking about her financial affairs.
