Angela Rayner (Labour) is battling for her political survival after admitting she underpaid stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat. The Deputy Prime Minister referred herself to the ministerial ethics adviser following days of denials of wrongdoing.
The admission represents a dramatic reversal for Rayner, who came under intense pressure to be more transparent about her properties. Her reputation has been damaged and her political future now hangs in the balance.
Ethics investigation launched
Rayner confirmed her tax arrangements after sustained pressure over her property dealings. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed regret over what she described as a mistake that led to the stamp duty underpayment.
The referral to the ministerial ethics adviser marks a significant escalation in the controversy surrounding Rayner's financial affairs. Her political survival now depends on the outcome of the ethics investigation.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
