London, ( The COW News Digital) Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister and Labour Party deputy leader Angela Rayner has resigned from her posts following revelations that she underpaid stamp duty on the purchase of her property. The resignation is seen as a major blow to the ruling Labour government.
According to the BBC, the scandal emerged when it was revealed that Rayner, who represents Ashton-under-Lyne in Parliament, failed to pay the full stamp duty on an £800,000 flat she purchased in Hove, East Sussex. The controversy intensified after reports suggested she ignored professional advice to pay the higher tax amount.
Earlier this week, Rayner voluntarily presented herself before the Prime Minister’s independent ethics adviser, acknowledging her mistake. She admitted that she failed to act on the advice to pay the full tax amount, calling it an “error in judgment.”
The ethics adviser’s report concluded that Rayner had breached the ministerial code by disregarding legal advice, calling it a “serious matter.” The report also stated that, having admitted responsibility, it was no longer tenable for her to continue as Deputy Prime Minister.
Following the report, Rayner announced her resignation from both government and Labour Party leadership positions. “I take full responsibility for my actions and accept the consequences,” she said in her resignation statement.
Labour Party leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed sadness at her departure, writing in a letter that he was “deeply upset” by her decision to step down. However, he stressed that Rayner will continue to be an “important figure” within the Labour Party in the future.
Rayner’s resignation has left a significant gap in the Labour government, which is already navigating multiple political and economic challenges. Political analysts note that the scandal could damage public trust in the party, which came to power promising integrity and accountability.
Rayner, known for her working-class background and outspoken political style, has been one of Labour’s most visible and influential figures. Her exit marks the most high-profile resignation from Starmer’s government since taking office.
While the Prime Minister moved quickly to contain the fallout, the opposition has seized on the scandal, accusing Labour of hypocrisy after campaigning strongly on issues of transparency and fairness. The by-election in her constituency is not in question, but her absence from government leadership will reshape the balance of Starmer’s cabinet.
