Labour's Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner, has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing following a high-profile police investigation into the sale of her former council house. The probe, which dominated headlines for weeks, has concluded with authorities stating there will be no further action taken.
The investigation was launched after allegations surfaced regarding the sale of her home in Stockport, specifically concerning potential unpaid stamp duty and questions about whether it was correctly declared as her main residence.
A Vindication for Rayner and Labour
In a major victory for the Labour frontbench, Greater Manchester Police confirmed their investigation is now closed. A force spokesperson stated: "We have completed a thorough investigation and have concluded that no further police action will be taken."
This decision effectively shuts down a significant line of attack that Conservative MPs had been pursuing against one of Labour's most prominent figures. The allegations had threatened to overshadow Labour's election campaign and personally damage Rayner's reputation.
The Core of the Allegations
The controversy centred on the sale of the property in Vicarage Road, Stockport, which Rayner bought under the right-to-buy scheme in 2007. Critics had claimed:
- She may have owed stamp duty on the 2015 sale if it was not her principal home.
- She might have made false declarations about her main residence for electoral purposes.
Rayner consistently maintained her innocence throughout, insisting she had followed all the rules at all times. She always stated the house was her principal residence, meaning she was exempt from capital gains tax upon its sale.
Political Fallout and Reaction
The conclusion of the investigation is a significant political win for Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, removing a cloud of uncertainty from their deputy leader. A Labour spokesperson said: "The police have now completed their investigation into claims made by the Conservative Party deputy chairman and have concluded that no further action will be taken. Angela has always been clear that she was not liable for capital gains tax on the sale of the house she owned before becoming an MP."
This result allows the party to fully refocus its efforts on the general election campaign, leaving what they have called a "desperate smear campaign" firmly behind them.
