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Political editor Chris Mason and politics investigations correspondent Billy Kenber reported that Sir Keir Starmer has been asked multiple times if he plans to dismiss Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner if his standards adviser determines she violated the ministerial code. Rayner referred herself to Sir Laurie Magnus after admitting to underpaying stamp duty on an £800,000 flat in Hove, citing incorrect legal advice as the reason for the mistake. Allies of Rayner stated that she sought advice from her conveyancer and two trust law experts on the matter.
In an interview with the BBC, Sir Keir emphasized that he would base his actions on Sir Laurie’s upcoming report, expected to be thorough and prompt, but declined to comment on Rayner’s potential dismissal. He distanced himself from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision not to remove Priti Patel as Home Secretary despite adviser Sir Alex Allen’s conclusion that she breached the ministerial code. The ministerial code outlines the ethical standards expected of ministers, encompassing qualities such as honesty and integrity.
Sir Keir acknowledged the need to assess the facts presented in the report, which sources suggest may be released imminently. The Prime Minister holds the authority to dismiss Rayner from her positions as housing secretary and deputy prime minister, but her role as deputy Labour Party leader, elected by party members, cannot be revoked. Rayner is seeking further counsel on her tax payments, following initial claims that the correct stamp duty had been paid, which were later disproven.
Conservative and Reform UK have called for Rayner’s resignation, criticizing the Prime Minister for not taking immediate action following her admission of underpaid stamp duty. The ongoing controversy has prompted debate over the handling of ministerial code breaches and the repercussions that should follow. The situation remains contentious as the political landscape navigates the repercussions of Rayner’s tax dispute
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