Angela Rayner says she has been cleared by HMRC over tax affairs

Angela Rayner says she has been – Angela Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister, confirmed on Thursday that HMRC had cleared her of any tax-related misconduct. The announcement, made during a statement, addressed the earlier allegations that she had “deliberately sought to avoid tax,” a charge she now claims has been fully resolved. Her remarks came amid ongoing political discussions about her role in the Labour Party’s recent challenges.

Resignation and Stamp Duty Dispute

Rayner stepped down as deputy prime minister in September 2025 following a decision to admit she had underpaid stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove. The initial disclosure sparked a wave of media scrutiny, leading to her resignation. The error, she explained, stemmed from a misunderstanding regarding her property ownership, as she had believed her Hove residence was her only home.

“I’ll play my part in doing everything we possibly can to deliver the change, because it’s not a personal ambition, I know the difference it makes.”

Rayner’s resignation was a significant moment for the Labour Party, which had already faced setbacks in local elections. Her departure highlighted the complexities of political accountability and the role of tax compliance in public perception. The statement she issued on Thursday emphasized her commitment to transparency and the importance of upholding high standards in leadership.

Political Ambitions and Leadership Prospects

Despite her resignation, Rayner remains a prominent figure within the Labour Party, seen as a potential candidate for leadership. Her ability to navigate the tax controversy and emerge with a clean record has positioned her as a viable contender in the ongoing battle to secure the party’s future. Sir Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister, faces mounting pressure to maintain his position, and Rayner’s political acumen has drawn attention to her possible role in the next leadership race.

Guardian Interview and Public Perception

In a recent interview with the Guardian, Rayner addressed the public’s perception of her actions. She argued that voters had initially been led to believe she had either intentionally avoided taxes or been careless in her conduct. The former deputy prime minister sought to clarify the situation, stating that the complexity of the legal framework surrounding her tax affairs had been misunderstood by the public.

“Whereas now hopefully people can see that actually it’s a really complex area of law,”

Rayner’s comments reflected her efforts to reframe the narrative and restore her reputation. She highlighted the role of legal advisors in shaping her understanding of the tax code, noting that her team initially defended her position before seeking further expert input. This shift in stance underscored the evolving nature of the controversy and her willingness to acknowledge past errors.

HMRC Conclusion and Legal Advice

Rayner welcomed HMRC’s conclusion that there had been no wrongdoing in her tax arrangements. She emphasized that her actions had not been reckless but had instead been based on her interpretation of the law. In a separate interview with ITV News journalist Paul Brand, she reiterated this point, stating that HMRC had confirmed she had not tried to avoid paying taxes and had acted with care and diligence.

Her ethics adviser had previously acknowledged that Rayner had acted with integrity but had breached the ministerial code. The adviser noted that while she had obtained legal advice when purchasing the property, she had not followed through with additional expert tax guidance as recommended. This oversight, though minor, had triggered the initial investigation and subsequent public debate.

Trust Arrangements and Property Classification

The tax dispute was further complicated by the existence of a trust for her disabled son. This arrangement, Rayner explained, had led to confusion about the classification of her Hove flat. Initially, she had assumed the property was her only home, but the trust’s structure meant it should have been considered a second property. As a result, she was required to pay an additional £40,000 in stamp duty, a fact she had only realized after consulting with a senior lawyer.

The media’s role in amplifying the scrutiny of Rayner’s tax affairs cannot be overstated. The initial denial of her team, which insisted she had paid the correct amount, quickly gave way to admission of the mistake. This transparency, though necessary, had left her in a vulnerable position, prompting the need for a formal investigation by the prime minister’s standards adviser.

Rebuilding Trust and Future Steps

Following the investigation, Rayner took proactive steps to address the situation. She contacted HMRC to calculate the additional tax owed and voluntarily referred herself to the standards adviser for review. Her actions were framed as a demonstration of accountability, with the aim of restoring public confidence in her leadership abilities.

Rayner’s clearance by HMRC has provided her with a renewed sense of purpose. She emphasized that the outcome was a vindication of her integrity and a reminder of the importance of clear legal frameworks. While the tax affair had derailed her role in the government, it had also positioned her as a key figure in the Labour Party’s efforts to rebuild credibility and secure its political future.