5 September 2025 — A major reversal was witnessed in British politics. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner suddenly resigned from all her government and party posts. The reason was a tax dispute, which not only raised questions on her credibility but also put Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government in trouble.
The matter is actually about an £800,000 apartment in Hove, East Sussex. Rayner admitted that she had paid less stamp duty on it. It is estimated that this shortfall could be up to £40,000. The amount is not very big, but at a time when common people already accuse politicians of following “different rules”, this mistake proved to be very sensitive.
The dispute hinged on whether this apartment should be considered Rayner’s “second home” or not. She had put her old family home in Ashton-under-Lyne into a trust for her children, but according to tax experts, she was still connected to that house. This technical difference proved to be decisive in terms of stamp duty. Rayner admitted that the legal advice she relied on was wrong. She has admitted her mistake and is in talks with HMRC to pay off the balance.
In her resignation letter, Rayner clearly wrote that she takes “full responsibility” and did not live up to the high standards set for a ministerial position. She also said that the constant media attention and its impact on the family was extremely difficult for her.
The investigation was conducted by the Prime Minister’s ethics advisor Sir Laurie Magnus. His report said that Rayner “worked with honesty” but the ministerial code was violated. That is, there was no question on the intention, but the rules were followed incompletely. This difference in politics is difficult to explain easily.
Rayner’s resignation is being considered a big loss for the Labour Party. She was an important voice connecting with working-class voters and was often described as a bridge between the party’s roots and modern leadership. Without her, Starmer’s team will look somewhat weak.
Starmer has stood by Rayner throughout the controversy. He sent her a handwritten note expressing his “deep sadness” at her resignation and praising her achievements. He also said Rayner would remain an “important figure” in the party. But the opposition has seized the opportunity. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch attacked Starmer, calling the episode evidence of “weak leadership”.
The controversy has once again raised a big question—are the rules and standards of transparency set for UK ministers really enough? Or are they applied differently in different circumstances? The result for the general public is simple: if ministers can’t get their own tax affairs right, how can they be trusted to govern the country?
