Angela Rayner has revealed that she paid £40,000 to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to settle a dispute over underpaid stamp duty, a move that could pave the way for her to launch a Labour leadership campaign. The former Deputy Prime Minister insisted she has not been 'tax dodging' and that HMRC cleared her of 'deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness' over her tax affairs.
Leadership Ambitions Amid Party Turmoil
With the Labour Party plunged into internal conflict, Ms Rayner also made clear that she will not run in tandem with her ally Andy Burnham, stating firmly: 'I am not doing deals.' This declaration comes as Health Secretary Wes Streeting prepares to resign from the Government and launch his own leadership bid today, with Ed Miliband also rumoured to be a potential candidate.
Stamp Duty Settlement
Ms Rayner acknowledged that she has settled the £40,000 owed in unpaid stamp duty on her seaside home in East Sussex. She emphasised that HMRC concluded there was no deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness on her part regarding her tax affairs. The settlement removes a potential obstacle to her leadership ambitions, as she seeks to position herself as a contender to lead the party.
The political landscape within Labour remains volatile, with multiple figures eyeing the top job. Ms Rayner's decision to address the tax issue publicly signals her intent to run, while distancing herself from any potential alliance with Burnham. The coming days are expected to see further announcements as the leadership race heats up.
