Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner Resigns Over Tax Breach

Angela Rayner resigned as deputy prime minister, housing secretary, and deputy leader of the Labour Party after an independent ethics advisor found she broke the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on a property purchase. Despite acting in good faith, Rayner accepted full responsibility for the error and cited the toll of media scrutiny on her family as a factor in her decision to step down. She was widely regarded as a powerful figure within Labour, known for her working-class roots and ability to connect with grassroots supporters more effectively than Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Rayner's departure creates a significant challenge for Starmer, who described her as a true friend and key to social mobility, while the party now faces a divisive race to replace her as deputy leader. Labour Trade Minister Douglas Alexander declined to comment directly on whether Rayner should be sacked, emphasizing that the independent adviser’s investigation would be thorough and that Starmer would make any final decisions. The situation highlights internal tensions within Labour and raises questions about the party’s image ahead of upcoming political battles.