Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs, the Guardian can reveal, settling £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty without penalty. The former deputy prime minister said the investigation had 'clipped my wings' and left her 'bruised', but the resolution paves the way for a potential leadership bid as Labour turmoil deepens.
In an interview, Rayner indicated she may enter any contest triggered by Wes Streeting, who is preparing to challenge Keir Starmer on Thursday. She said she wanted to 'play my part' and understood why MPs were 'heartbroken' after the election defeat. While ruling out launching a coup herself, Rayner said Starmer should 'reflect on' stepping aside, citing 'mistakes that have blown us off course'.
Rayner stressed the need for unity and refused to rule out backing a soft-left rival if they had a better chance, but also criticised blocking Andy Burnham from re-entering parliament. The HMRC investigation, which hung over her since her resignation last September, is now closed, leaving the door open for a return to frontline politics.
