Rayner is the eighth and the most senior, ministerial departure from Starmer’s team and the most damaging yet

Rayner, 45, is the eighth and the most senior, ministerial departure from Starmer’s team, and the most damaging yet after Starmer offered her his full support when she was first accused of deliberately trying to avoid paying the correct tax rate.

“I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice … I take full responsibility for this error,” Rayner said in her letter to Starmer.

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