Deputy prime minister expresses regret over mistake that led to underpayment of stamp duty on £800,000 flat
Angela Rayner is battling for her political survival after she admitted underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat and referred herself to the ministerial ethics adviser after days of denials of wrongdoing.
The deputy prime minister confirmed her tax arrangements after coming under intense pressure to be more transparent about her properties, but has been left with her reputation damaged and future hanging in the balance.
Keir Starmer immediately threw his weight behind Rayner, but faced criticism after Downing Street refused to say when he had been told about her situation. Government sources suggested the ethics inquiry could be completed within days.
The controversy comes as the prime minister faces a turbulent autumn, with tax rises expected to be announced in the 26 November budget, which will arrive against a difficult economic backdrop.
