Angela Rayner has been cleared by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs, the Guardian can reveal. The former deputy prime minister settled £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty after initially paying the lower rate, but paid no penalty. HMRC found no tax avoidance.
In an interview, Rayner said she had been 'bruised' by the experience, which included intrusion into her disabled son's personal life. The investigation had hung over her since she resigned from the cabinet last September, but its resolution opens the door for a return to frontline politics.
Rayner indicated she may run in a potential leadership contest, saying she wanted to 'play my part' and understood why Labour MPs were upset after last week's election defeat. She suggested Prime Minister Keir Starmer should 'reflect on' stepping aside. Wes Streeting, the health secretary, is preparing to launch a leadership challenge on Thursday if he secures enough MP support.
Rayner declined to rule out endorsing a soft-left rival if they had a better chance of success, but ruled out launching a coup herself. She stressed that former Labour leader Ed Miliband and herself are possible contenders, while Andy Burnham cannot run from outside parliament.
