Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, defends her 2015 council house sale amid claims of tax evasion, asserting her full compliance with HMRC regulations and dismissing the allegations as a political smear.
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, has addressed concerns regarding the sale of her former council house in 2015, amidst allegations surrounding the payment of capital gains tax. The scrutiny arose from claims presented in a book by Lord Ashcroft, a former Conservative Party treasurer, suggesting potential issues with her declaration of the property as her main residence. Rayner has firmly rejected these claims, labeling them as attempts to damage her reputation, and asserting that no tax rules were violated during the sale process.
Rayner, in a response to the allegations, stated that she had consulted tax experts to ensure her compliance with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) regulations, confirming that no capital gains tax was due. The controversy gained traction, leading to a public response from Rayner where she described the situation as a “smear” in an attempt to deflect from her political duties and discredit her. Despite these allegations, Greater Manchester Police found no evidence of criminal offense, following an investigation request by Conservative MP James Daly.
The Deputy Labour Leader, reflecting on her background as a former home care worker without personal accounting resources, highlighted her reliance on professional tax advice. She emphasized the complex nature of tax laws, particularly in relation to property sales and marital status but remained unwavering in her claim that she adhered to legal requirements throughout the sale of her home.
Rayner’s defense and clarifications come amidst broader discussions on the tax obligations of public figures, and the role of property sales within such debates. Her case also underscores the nuanced intersections of politics, personal financial decisions, and public scrutiny. With her full response available through an interview with BBC Newsnight, Rayner’s stance is clear: she denies any wrongdoing and maintains that her tax affairs are in order, despite the controversy stirred by political narratives and media reports.
