Angela Rayner’s allies have rebuked James Cleverly, accusing the shadow housing secretary of having “some brass neck” for criticising the deputy prime minister over her council tax arrangements on a seaside flat she bought this year.
Rayner acquired the property in Hove, East Sussex, for more than £700,000. The flat is subject to the 100% council tax premium on second homes introduced in April, which she now pays in full.
The Tories, including Cleverly, have accused Rayner of hypocrisy, pointing to her role in pushing through those tax rules. A Labour source dismissed the criticism as political opportunism, noting Cleverly’s own record as a landlord.
Richard Holden, the shadow transport secretary, also weighed in, questioning Rayner’s delineation of her primary residence. Labour defended the policy, stating it gives councils powers to double tax on second homes to support local communities.
