Downing Street has declined to say whether Sir Keir Starmer's independent adviser on ministerial conduct has seen any evidence to support Chancellor Rachel Reeves' claim that she made an 'inadvertent' mistake in failing to obtain a licence to rent out her south London home. The refusal comes as pressure mounts on Reeves, despite the Prime Minister stating that an apology should suffice.
In an exchange of letters with Starmer on Wednesday, Reeves explained that she had not been informed by her lettings agency that a £945 licence was required for properties in that area of Southwark. Starmer replied that, after consulting independent adviser Laurie Magnus, he was satisfied the breach was inadvertent and that her prompt action to rectify the situation meant an apology was sufficient.
At a media briefing, a Downing Street spokesperson repeatedly declined to confirm whether Magnus had reviewed any evidence backing Reeves' account, stating that the adviser's advice was confidential. The spokesperson also refused to say whether Reeves had contravened the ministerial code or broken the law, but indicated that if she were found to have broken the law, she would lose her job, citing Starmer's previous statement that 'lawbreakers cannot be lawmakers'.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for an investigation, arguing that Reeves should have been aware of the licensing requirement, especially as she had recently tweeted praise for a similar policy in her Leeds constituency. 'She needs to be on top of her paperwork,' Badenoch said, adding that if Reeves had broken the law, Starmer should apply his own rules to her.
Reeves admitted the breach after it was reported by the Daily Mail, saying she had used a lettings agency to manage the property and was not advised of the need for a licence. She has since applied for the licence and apologised.
