Labour MP Rushanara Ali has resigned from her role as shadow homelessness minister, citing personal reasons tied to a steep rent increase on her London flat. The Bethnal Green and Bow representative announced her decision in a letter to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, expressing regret but stating she could no longer fulfill the role effectively.
Ali, who has served in the shadow cabinet since 2020, highlighted the financial strain caused by her landlord's decision to raise the rent by over a third. "With deep sadness, I must step down," she wrote, emphasising her continued support for Labour's mission to tackle homelessness.
The resignation comes at a critical time for Labour, as the party prepares its housing policies ahead of the next general election. Housing campaigners have warned that soaring rents are exacerbating homelessness across the UK, particularly in London where average rents have surged by 15% in the past year.
Sir Keir Starmer praised Ali's "dedicated service" and acknowledged the challenges many face in the current housing crisis. No immediate replacement has been announced for the shadow homelessness brief.
