Angela Rayner Says She Has Been “Exonerated” After Tax Investigation Triumph

Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner says she has resolved her tax affairs with HMRC after settling £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty linked to the purchase of her flat in Hove.

The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne said she had been “exonerated” of claims that she had deliberately sought to avoid tax, adding that HMRC had accepted she acted in good faith and had not been careless.

Rayner stepped down as deputy prime minister and housing secretary in September 2025 after admitting she had underpaid stamp duty on the £800,000 East Sussex property.

The issue centred on complex arrangements involving a trust for her disabled son, meaning the Hove flat should have been classed as a second property and therefore subject to a higher rate of stamp duty.

Following an investigation, Rayner accepted HMRC’s assessment and paid the additional amount owed. She will not face a financial penalty.

In a statement, Rayner said:

“I set out to pay the correct amount of tax.

"I took reasonable care and acted in good faith, based on the expert advice I received, and HMRC has accepted this.

“I wanted to ensure that I paid every penny that I owed, and have done so. I am relieved that my family can now move on – and that I can get on with my job.”

The conclusion of the investigation comes amid growing political pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer following Labour’s recent election results, with Rayner among senior figures calling for stronger action from the government.