Downing Street has broken its silence on the escalating row surrounding Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner's property history, acknowledging a court injunction that prevents her from publicly disclosing details of past deals. The Prime Minister's official spokesman stated that while it was a 'matter for the courts,' the government was 'aware of the reporting' on the case.
The controversy centres on Ms. Rayner's former council house in Stockport, which she bought under the Right-to-Buy scheme. Questions have been fiercely raised about whether this property was correctly declared as her main residence for tax purposes after she got married.
A 'Remarkable' Tax Coincidence
Adding fuel to the fire is the property's reported sale price. It is alleged the home was valued at exactly £250,000 – a figure that at the time matched the inheritance tax threshold perfectly. This precise valuation has been labelled by critics as a 'remarkable coincidence,' potentially saving a significant tax liability if the property was not deemed her primary residence.
Legal Gag Order Imposed
Further intrigue surrounds a court order, reportedly taken out by Ms. Rayner's ex-husband, which seals the details of their financial settlement, including the property transactions. This legal move effectively blocks Ms. Rayner from speaking openly about the deals, leaving mounting questions unanswered.
Opposition MPs and political commentators have intensified their calls for transparency, suggesting the public has a right to know whether all tax obligations were met and if parliamentary rules were followed correctly. The Labour Party has consistently defended Ms. Rayner, maintaining she has followed all the rules and advice at every stage.
The story continues to dominate political discourse, creating a significant challenge for Labour as it seeks to maintain its focus on criticising the government's record ahead of the next general election.
