Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner finds herself at the centre of a political firestorm as Greater Manchester Police confirms it has launched a formal investigation into her property dealings. The probe focuses on allegations that Ms Rayner may have avoided paying thousands in stamp duty and capital gains tax when selling her former council house.
The controversy stems from questions about whether the senior Labour figure correctly declared her main residence for tax purposes when selling the property in Stockport in 2015. Conservative MPs have raised concerns about potential discrepancies in her declared living arrangements.
Police Take Action After Months of Pressure
Greater Manchester Police had initially concluded there was no evidence of any offences being committed. However, the force has now reversed its position following a complaint from Conservative deputy chairman James Daly. Mr Daly provided the police with new information suggesting neighbours might contradict Ms Rayner's claims about her primary residence.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police stated: "We are investigating whether any offences have been committed. This follows a reassessment of information provided to us by Mr Daly."
Potential Tax Implications
At the heart of the investigation are serious questions about:
- Whether Ms Rayner avoided approximately £1,500 in stamp duty
- Potential capital gains tax liabilities on the property sale
- Possible violation of council tax rules
- Accuracy of declarations regarding her main residence
Experts suggest the tax bill could have reached £3,500 if the property wasn't her main residence at the time of sale. The Labour deputy leader has consistently maintained that she followed all tax rules and regulations.
Political Fallout for Labour
The timing couldn't be worse for Sir Keir Starmer's party, which has been enjoying a consistent lead in opinion polls. Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden has called for Ms Rayner to "do the decent thing and step aside" while the investigation takes place.
Meanwhile, Labour has rallied behind their deputy leader, with a spokesperson describing the allegations as a "desperate smear" from a Conservative Party that's "mired in sleaze and chaos."
As the police investigation unfolds, this developing story threatens to dominate political discourse in Westminster, potentially overshadowing Labour's policy agenda in the run-up to the next general election.
