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Angela Rayner has stated that she is in discussions with HMRC regarding the repayment of taxes owed.
She told MPs: “There is no justification for not paying taxes that are due, and I will ensure that I do so.”
Ms. Rayner gave an emotional interview to Sky News amid inquiries regarding her taxes.Credit: Sky News
Ms. Rayner was a key ally to Sir Keir Starmer.Credit: AFP
She added: “I am currently in correspondence with HMRC, and they have my full cooperation.”
Ms. Rayner made these remarks during her resignation speech in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
This occurred nearly seven weeks after she stepped down as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary amid a scandal.
Her hands trembled as she read her statement.
“I have always believed in the utmost standards of transparency and accountability,” she expressed to the Chamber.
“This is what the public expects, and it is the price we pay for the privilege of serving.”
She resigned after failing to pay £40,000 in stamp duty on an £800,000 flat.
It was determined by Sir Keir Starmer’s ethics chief that she had violated the ministerial code.
Despite this, Ms. Rayner still received a substantial payment.
She accepted the payment just days before new regulations were enacted that prevented ex-ministers found guilty of a “serious breach” of the ministerial code from receiving such payouts.
The Ashton-under-Lyne MP had advocated for this crackdown while serving in opposition.
Her spokesperson defended the decision, stating that she breached the code due to an “honest mistake” rather than a serious violation.
A timeline of the scandal
The Labour firebrand has remained low-profile since her resignation and did not attend the party conference in Liverpool a few weeks ago.
Ms. Rayner also stepped down from her role as Deputy Labour Leader, which triggered a leadership search.
Either Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson or former Commons leader will be announced as her successor this Saturday.
Lucy Powell is the frontrunner to succeed Ms. Rayner as Labour’s deputy leader.Credit: PA
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax issues Angela Rayner is facing?
Angela Rayner is in talks with HMRC regarding the repayment of taxes owed, including a significant amount of stamp duty.
Why did Angela Rayner resign?
She resigned after failing to pay £40,000 in stamp duty on an £800,000 flat and was found to have breached the ministerial code.
Who is likely to replace Angela Rayner as Deputy Labour Leader?
Either Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson or the former Commons leader is expected to be announced as her replacement this Saturday.
