Angela Rayner has resigned as deputy prime minister after an investigation found she breached the ministerial code over a property purchase. The decision follows the same advice she had often given to Conservative rivals: that their positions were untenable when standards were not met.
The breach was confirmed by ethics adviser Laurie Magnus on Friday, prompting Rayner to step down. In her resignation letter, she admitted: “I accept that I did not meet the highest standards in relation to my recent property purchase.”
Rayner, known for her plain-speaking and northern working-class roots, had been a key asset to Keir Starmer in winning back “red wall” voters. However, her effectiveness as a Tory scourge also made her vulnerable to charges of hypocrisy when her own tax affairs came under scrutiny.
The relationship between Starmer and Rayner has always been an odd political pairing. While Starmer is sober and reserved, Rayner is gregarious and emotionally open. Their partnership was strained in 2021 when Starmer tried to demote her, but she retained power as elected deputy leader.
Despite the resignation, Rayner leaves a legacy of legislative achievement. Her workers’ rights bill is due to pass its final stage in just over a week, and she secured nearly £40bn for social housing over the next decade from Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
