Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has defended Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner amid accusations she avoided stamp duty when purchasing a flat in Hove. Phillipson stated that Rayner 'followed all the rules' regarding the £800,000 property, which has sparked controversy over potential tax avoidance.
Conservatives have accused Rayner of hypocrisy, noting she listed her Greater Manchester home as her primary residence to avoid £2,000 in council tax on her government flat in London. The row intensified after reports emerged that Rayner bought the Hove flat weeks after removing her name from the deed of her Ashton-under-Lyne home, thereby avoiding higher stamp duty on second homes.
Phillipson told Times Radio that Rayner is 'entirely within her rights' to spend her money as she chooses, as long as she follows all rules. The controversy comes ahead of the budget, with speculation that Labour may increase property taxes, including replacing stamp duty with an annual property tax.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Labour, stating they 'look set to wage a new war on family homes with more taxes' that ministers themselves seem to avoid. The issue is expected to be highlighted during a visit by Badenoch and shadow housing secretary James Cleverly to Reigate, Surrey.
