Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has launched a blistering attack on Sir Keir Starmer, accusing the Labour leader of a dramatic 'U-turn' over the investigation into his deputy, Angela Rayner. The political firestorm centres on allegations about Ms Rayner's past living arrangements and a potential capital gains tax liability.
The row ignited when Sir Keir initially stated he would welcome any independent investigation to clarify the situation, telling reporters: "Angela will co-operate with any investigation." However, after Greater Manchester Police confirmed it was reassessing information to decide whether to launch a formal probe, the Labour leader's tone shifted markedly.
Sir Keir then insisted there was "no need" for an investigation, asserting that Ms Rayner had already received expert advice confirming she had done nothing wrong. This apparent reversal prompted a fierce response from the Prime Minister during a fiery session of Prime Minister's Questions.
Mr Sunak seized on the contradiction, telling the Commons: "We've got yet another U-turn from the party opposite. On Monday, he said he would welcome an investigation. Now he says the opposite. It's another U-turn. It's typical of the flip-flopping we've come to expect from him."
The allegations against Ms Rayner, the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, concern the sale of a former council house in Stockport a decade ago. Questions have been raised about whether it was correctly declared as her main residence, which would have exempted her from paying capital gains tax on the profit.
Despite the escalating political pressure, a Labour source has confirmed that Ms Rayner has no intention of resigning her position over the matter. The party maintains that she has followed the rules at all times.
This deepening conflict ensures that the controversy surrounding the Deputy Labour leader's tax affairs will remain a central feature of Westminster discourse for the foreseeable future, as both sides dig in for a prolonged political battle.
