Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has been cleared by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over her tax affairs, the Guardian can reveal. The investigation, which centred on unpaid stamp duty, concluded with no findings of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness. Rayner settled £40,000 in unpaid tax but was not penalised, and HMRC confirmed there was no tax avoidance.
Speaking to the Guardian, Rayner said the experience had “clipped my wings” and left her “bruised”, particularly due to intrusion into her disabled son’s private life. She acknowledged the perception it created of being “in it for myself”, contrary to her commitment to ordinary people.
The investigation had loomed over the senior Labour MP since her resignation from cabinet last September. With the matter resolved, a return to frontline politics is now possible. Rayner indicated she might stand in a leadership contest if one is triggered, stating she wanted to “play my part”. She said Labour MPs were “heartbroken” after recent election losses and that Keir Starmer should “reflect on” stepping aside.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is reportedly preparing to launch a leadership challenge on Thursday, sparking a scramble on the left for a candidate. Ed Miliband and Rayner are seen as possible contenders, while Andy Burnham cannot stand from outside parliament. Rayner did not rule out endorsing a soft-left rival if they had a better chance, stressing the need for unity over factionalism.
Rayner declined to launch a coup herself, saying: “I wasn’t going to trigger the prime minister.” She called for “actions, not just words” and urged the party to move forward quickly. She also reiterated that Burnham should not have been barred from re-entering parliament, but said it would be inappropriate to ask MPs to step aside for him.
