Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAngela Rayner’s leadership bid boost as HMRC clear her over tax affairsCopy linkBritain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham meet with school children at a primary school in Ashton-under-Lyne, north-west England, Monday April 13, 2026. (Paul Ellis/Pool Photo via AP) (AP)Angela Rayner has been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing following an investigation into her tax affairs. This development potentially paves the way for a Labour leadership bid, though she stated she would not "trigger" a contest. The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne said the investigation into her underpayment of stamp duty had "clipped her wings". Rayner denied making any pact with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to challenge Sir Keir Starmer. She reiterated her commitment to delivering change, stating it was not about personal ambition. In fullAngela Rayner cleared by HMRC over tax affairs that ‘clipped her wings’More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in