Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs, the Guardian can reveal. The former deputy prime minister has settled £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty after initially paying the lower rate, but has not paid any penalty. HMRC was satisfied there was no tax avoidance.
In an interview, Rayner said she had been 'bruised' by the experience due to the intrusion into her disabled son's personal life and the perception that she was 'in it for myself'. The investigation had hung heavily 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 the event of a leadership contest, saying she wanted to 'play my part' and understood why Labour MPs were upset after the election crushing. She said Keir Starmer should 'reflect on' stepping aside. Wes Streeting is preparing to launch a leadership challenge on Thursday, sparking a scramble on the left for a candidate, with Ed Miliband and Rayner as possible contenders.
Rayner suggested she could enter any contest but was not dead set on being the left's candidate. She said, 'I'll play my part in doing everything we possibly can to deliver the change.' She did not rule out endorsing a soft left rival if they had a better chance of success. However, she ruled out launching a coup herself, stating she wanted 'actions, not just words'.
Rayner declined to say whether Starmer should fight any challenge but said he would have to reflect. She described the election results as 'heartbreaking' and stressed that Andy Burnham should not have been prevented from re-entering parliament. She said the party could not afford to be factional or have egos.
