Angela Rayner's habit of attracting scandal could harm her chances of becoming prime minister, her supporters have admitted.
The Deputy Prime Minister is among the bookies' favourites to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour's approval ratings continue to slump under his leadership.
But Ms Rayner, who is also the Housing Secretary, is currently facing fresh questions over her property arrangements.
The Tories have called for a probe into her tax affairs following reports she escaped paying £40,000 in stamp duty on her new seaside flat in Hove, East Sussex.
Allies of Ms Rayner told The Times that her desire for privacy meant questions over her living arrangements had lingered for longer than necessary.
