News Editor
What happened
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has settled her tax affairs with HMRC, paying £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty following an investigation. This investigation cleared her of any deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness regarding her tax affairs. Rayner’s flat purchase in Hove, United Kingdom, was part-funded by selling a 25% share of her family home to a trust for her disabled son. In September 2025, she resigned from her roles after admitting to underpaying stamp duty on her property purchase, which had been viewed as a barrier to her political ambitions.
Key figures
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount paid by Rayner in unpaid stamp duty | £40,000 |
| Initial stamp duty paid by Rayner on her flat purchase | £30,000 |
| Higher rate of stamp duty Rayner was liable for as a second homeowner | £70,000 |
| Share of the family home sold to a trust for her disabled son | 25% |
Numbers and reactions
Following her settlement with HMRC, Angela Rayner expressed relief, stating, “I set out to pay the correct amount of tax. I took reasonable care and acted in good faith, based on the expert advice I received, and HMRC has accepted this.” She emphasized her commitment to ensuring that all taxes owed were paid, adding, “I wanted to ensure that I paid every penny that I owed, and have done so. I am relieved that my family can now move on – and that I can get on with my job.”
This resolution allows Rayner to refocus on her political career, particularly as she may now engage in potential leadership challenges within the Labour Party. Previously, the investigation had been perceived as a hurdle to her ambitions, especially following her resignation in September 2025 after admitting to underpaying stamp duty on her property purchase.
Procedural next steps
The resolution of Angela Rayner’s tax affairs allows her to refocus on her political career, particularly within the Labour Party. Following her resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary in September 2025, the investigation by HMRC had posed a significant challenge to her ambitions. However, with the investigation clearing her of any deliberate wrongdoing, Rayner is now free to participate in potential leadership challenges within the party. Her lawyers had previously contested HMRC’s interpretation of the law regarding trust exemptions, highlighting the complexities surrounding her case.