Sir Keir Starmer has begun a major cabinet reshuffle in the wake of Angela Rayner’s stunning resignation over her failure to pay enough stamp duty on a seaside flat.
The Prime Minister wasted no time shaking up his political pack after his deputy quit from Government following the verdict from his ethics adviser that she had breached the ministerial code.
Sir Laurie Magnus said Ms Rayner had “acted with integrity”, but failed to “heed the caution” contained within legal advice she received when buying the £800,000 property in Hove.
Ms Rayner had referred herself to the standards watchdog for investigation after she admitted she had paid £40,000 less surcharge than she should have done on the purchase in May.
Ms Rayner told the Prime Minister in a letter that “I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice" and took "full responsibility for this error”.
David Lammy has replaced Ms Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister and has also been made Justice Secretary, while Yvette Cooper has taken his role as Foreign Secretary and Shabana Mahmood has replaced her as home secretary in a major Government reset.
Follow the latest updates below...
Key points
- Angela Rayner steps down
- Rayner breached the Ministerial Code - report
- Keir Starmer expresses 'sadness' following Rayner's departure
- Lammy made Deputy PM in major reshuffle of Starmer's top team
- Reshuffle in full - find out which ministers have been sacked or swapped jobs
Live coverage has ended
21:48 , Jacob PhillipsThe Standard’s live coverage has ended. You can read the latest political stories on our website here.
Douglas Alexander describes Scottish Secretary job as 'real honour'
19:35 , Jacob PhillipsDouglas Alexander has described his appointment as Secretary of State for Scotland as a “real honour”.
The Lothian East MP, who was trade minister before his switch to the Scotland Office, replaces Ian Murray, who was sacked as part of the prime minister’s reshuffle.
Labour veteran Mr Alexander previously served a stint as Scotland Secretary from 2006 to 2007 under Tony Blair’s premiership.
“It’s a real honour to have been appointed Secretary of State for Scotland by Sir Keir Starmer,” he said.
“I look forward to playing a key role in delivering the UK Government’s plan for change by boosting economic growth, putting more money in pockets and making life better for people in Scotland.
“There is a huge amount to be done, and I’m very much looking forward to making sure that Scotland continues to be at the very centre of the Government’s work – including on our drive to clean power and ensuring our country’s security.”
Rayner's political life in pictures
19:26 , Jacob PhillipsAngela Rayner’s colourful political career took her from being a teenage mother on a council estate in Stockport to Deputy Prime Minister.
Coming into prominence under former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Ms Rayner has become one of the most recognisable faces in her party.
You can read more about the key moments in the politician’s career in the article below.
David Lammy praises Angela Rayner as he says it's 'honour of my life' to become deputy PM
18:36 , Jacob PhillipsNew Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has said “it is the honour of my life” to be appointed to the position, alongside his new job as Justice Secretary.
In a post on X, he added: “Ever since I was a boy growing up in Tottenham, I’ve been determined to help make this country fairer, safer and better off.”
Mr Lammy also praised Angela Rayner for doing a “tremendous job” as deputy prime minister, adding that “she will continue to be a huge figure in our party and the country”.
Farage predicts general election in 2027
18:19 , Jacob PhillipsMiles away from the action in Westminster, the Reform UK party conference has been taking place in Birmingham.
Nigel Farage has told activists to expect a general election in the next two years, as he told his supporters that his party’s successes in the last 12 months are only the beginning.
The Reform leader struck a triumphant tone as he gave an ebullient speech to members at the event.
Mr Farage said the party was on track to enter government, as he announced it was setting up an internal department to prepare for office.
He told Reform members “we must be ready” for an election in 2027 and insisted that his party “will stop the boats within two weeks of winning the government.”
Recap: How did we get to this stage?
18:11 , Jacob PhillipsAngela Rayner stepped down from her position as deputy prime minister and housing secretary earlier on Friday in a blow to the Labour Government.
Since then, the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer launched a cabinet reshuffle with several ministers sacked and new faces appearing at some of the biggest offices of state.
You can find out more about why Ms Rayner resigned in our explainer piece below.
What exactly did Angela Rayner do wrong? Stamp duty saga explained
What does the new cabinet look like?
17:58 , Jacob PhillipsNow that Downing Street has announced that the cabinet reshuffle is complete, we can show you who has been moved where:
-David Lammy will be Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister
-Yvette Cooper will be Foreign Secretary
-Shabana Mahmood will be Home Secretary
-Darren Jones will be Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and retains his new role as chief secretary to the Prime Minister
-Steve Reed will be Housing Secretary
-Pat McFadden will be Work and Pensions Secretary
-Peter Kyle will be Business Secretary
-Liz Kendall will be Science Secretary
-Emma Reynolds will be Environment Secretary
-Douglas Alexander will be Scotland Secretary
-Jonathan Reynolds will be Chief Whip
-Sir Alan Campbell will be Leader of the House of Commons
Darren Jones spotted going into Downing Street
17:48 , Jacob PhillipsAround 20 minutes ago, Darren Jones arrived at Downing Street.
He smiled and nodded after a reporter asked him: “Can you make this work?”
Number 10 announced earlier this week that Sir Keir Starmer was “bolstering” Government operations and had appointed Darren Jones to a new role as the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Downing Street.
The reshuffle is complete
17:42 , Jacob PhillipsNo further changes are expected on Friday as the prime minister’s reshuffle appears to have finished.
There have been 12 positions which have been changed following the resignation of deputy prime minister Angela Rayner earlier today.
Jonathan Reynolds is chief whip as No 10 announces further appointments
17:34 , Matt WattsNo 10 has just announced a flurry of further cabinet appointments.
Jonathan Reynolds will be the new Government Chief Whip and will attend cabinet.
Peter Kyle replaces him as Secretary of State for Business.
Liz Kendall is the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Emma Reynolds replaces Steve Reed as the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Douglas Alexander is the Secretary of State for Scotland.
Sir Alan Campbell is Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons. He will attend Cabinet.
Steve Reed being made Housing Secretary
16:56 , Matt WattsSteve Reed has been made Housing Secretary - taking on the role held by Angela Rayner before she quit today in the wake of her stamp duty scandal.
Mr Reed was previously the Environment Secretary.
Pat McFadden to take over 'super ministry'
16:41 , Matt WattsPat McFadden has become the Work and Pensions Secretary.
He will will take over a new “super ministry” including the Department for Work and Pensions and the skills remit of the Department for Education.
The MP for Wolverhampton South East’s previous role was the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
David Lammy becomes Deputy PM in major reshuffle
16:06 , Matt WattsDavid Lammy has replaced Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister,
Mr Lammy has also been made Justice Secretary, while Yvette Cooper has been appointed Foreign Secretary and Shabana Mahmood has replaced her as home secretary.
The moves represent a major reshuffle of the tops jobs in Government.
Yvette Cooper could be leaving role as Home Secretary - reports
15:53 , Jacob PhillipsRumours are circulating that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper could be leaving her role.
The Telegraph reports that Mrs Cooper is expected by government insiders to be moved from her job, with sources saying she will be moved to a different role.
Similarly, The Times reports there is mounting speculation among Labour MPs and ministers that the home secretary will be moved on and replaced by Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary.
How Labour will elect a new deputy leader after Angela Rayner exit
15:47 , Jacob PhillipsA red-on-red election battle could take place to replace Angela Rayner as deputy leader of the Labour Party.
Ms Rayner was elected to the position after winning a party membership in 2020, at the same time Sir Keir Starmer was chosen as Jeremy Corbyn’s successor.
In her role as deputy PM, Ms Rayner was widely viewed as a bridge between the more left wing grassroots of Labour and the right of the party which has greater sway over Sir Keir’s Downing Street operation.
The contest to replace Ms Rayner could expose the divide between different factions of Labour – and their positions on Sir Keir’s track record in No 10 – brought into the public eye.
You can read more about what is expected to happen next below.
How Labour will elect a new deputy leader now Angela Rayner has quit
Reshuffle understood to be taking place mostly over the phone
15:16 , Jacob PhillipsFriday’s reshuffle may look a little bit different to normal as many ministers will be at home in their constituencies.
We are used to images of politicians entering 10 Downing Street, sometimes sheepishly, to find out their political futures.
However, due to the sudden nature of the shift around ministers are understood to be waiting by their phones for the prime minister to call.
MPs often return to their constituencies on Fridays to look into local issues.
Ian Murray says it was 'honour of my life' to serve as Scottish Secretary
15:08 , Jacob PhillipsIan Murray has released a statement after being sacked as Scottish Secretary by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
In a lengthy statement posted on X, Mr Murray said it was the “honour of my life” to be the first Labour Secretary of State for Scotland in 14 years.
He vowed to make sure there are more jobs and opportunities for the people of Scotland from the backbenches.
You can read Mr Murray’s statement in full below.
STATEMENT
— Ian Murray MP (@IanMurrayMP) September 5, 2025
A few words and reflections from me: pic.twitter.com/yjOPXbFVJt
Ian Murray sacked as Scottish Secretary as reshuffle gets underway
15:01 , Jacob PhillipsPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s reshuffle is getting into full swing.
Ian Murray has been sacked as Scottish Secretary, sources have told the PA news agency.
Stay with us as we bring you the latest news from Westminster.
Angela Rayner has been a trailblazing minister, says Sadiq Khan
14:54 , Jacob PhillipsLondon Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has described Angela Rayner as a “role model to millions”.
He described how the politician had shown “real leadership with heart”.
In a post on X he wrote: “Angela Rayner has been a brilliant Deputy Prime Minister and trailblazing Secretary of State – from investing in council homes, to strengthening workers’ rights, and always backing what cities like London can achieve.
“She is a role model to millions. She’s shown real leadership with heart, and changed lives across our city and our country.”
Lucy Powell has been sacked as Leader of the Commons
14:51 , Jacob PhillipsLucy Powell has confirmed she is no longer the Leader of the Commons, describing how it had been an honour to be part of the government.
She has spoken about how she really enjoyed her role, particularly organising the first King’s Speech under a Labour Government “in a generation”.
Ms Powell added that there are changes that a Labour Government should be making.
You can read her full statement below.
A Statement from me: pic.twitter.com/5NmhJeKDRV
— Lucy Powell MP (@LucyMPowell) September 5, 2025
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband pays tribute to Rayner
14:29 , Megan HoweEd Miliband, energy secretary and former Labour party leader, described Rayner as "one of the great British political figures of our time".
"Generations will grow up with stronger rights at work and in new homes because of her vision and leadership," he added.
Cabinet re-shuffle taking place
14:28 , Megan HoweLucy Powell, who has served as Leader of the House of Commons since the general election, has been dismissed, according to Sky News.
Ian Murray, the Scotland secretary, is also leaving the Government.
These appear to be the first confirmed cabinet departures since the reshuffle was finalised, following Angela Rayner’s resignation.
It is expected that these dismissals will take place privately, allowing the ministers to avoid walking past the media gathered outside Downing Street.
Once these exits are complete, the appointments to Sir Keir Starmer’s new top team are set to begin.
Wes Streeting is the bookmakers favourite to replace Rayner as deputy leader
13:54 , Megan HoweHealth Secretary Wes Streeting is the narrow favourite to succeed Angela Rayner as deputy Labour leader, according to William Hall, the bookmakers.
It priced Streeting at 4/1, just ahead of Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, at 9/2.
Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden and defence secretary John Healey are at 6/1 with justice secretary Shabana Mahmood at 7/1.
However, many MPs expect the party to back a more left wing backbencher to hold the leadership to account.
'We thank Angela for her incredible service,' says Labour party general secretary
13:46 , Megan HoweHollie Ridley, general secretary of the Labour Party, said: "Angela Rayner has served our party and the country with integrity and played a key role in helping Labour return to government so that we can deliver the national renewal our country needs.
"We thank her for her incredible service as deputy leader of the Labour Party and everyone across the Labour movement wishes Angela and her family the very best for future.
"We have no doubt that she will continue to use her immense talents and dedication to public service to continue fighting for a fairer future for working people."
Nigel Farage tells Reform party conference that election could take place in 2027
13:32 , Megan HoweNigel Farage warned of a "big rift" in Labour and told Reform UK's party conference that he thinks a general election could take place in 2027.
"We're used to hearing stories of splits in the Conservative Party. We're about to witness a big rift in the Labour Party, too," he told party members in a keynote speech in Birmingham.
He added: "Before long, there'll be Labour MPs that reckon they've got a better chance on the Jeremy Corbyn sectarian ticket ... they've got a better chance of being re-elected under that ticket, under Corbyn, than they do under Sir Keir."
He went on: "I think there is every chance now of a general election happening in 2027."
Angela Rayner says 'for a teenage mum from a council estate' serving at the highest level of Government was 'the honour of her life'
13:22 , Megan HoweAngela Rayner has said in her resignation letter that "for a teenage mum from a council estate in Stockport" to serve at the highest level of government was "the honour of her life" as she resigned over her tax affairs.
She resigned as Deputy PM and Housing Secretary after ethics watchdog Sir Laurie Magnus said she had "acted with integrity and with a dedicated and exemplary commitment to public service" but concluded she breached the ministerial code.
In her resignation letter, she told Sir Keir Starmer: "The challenges of government are nothing compared to the challenge of putting food on the table and getting a roof over our head when I brought up kids working as a home help."
She added she could only hope "the changes I made in government will have the same impact for young girls growing up on council estates like I did".
Ms Rayner once described herself as "John Prescott in a skirt" and, like the former deputy prime minister before her, she is to many Labour supporters the authentic voice of the party's traditional values.
Like her predecessor, she worked her way up the hard way, leaving school at 16 and cutting her teeth as a trade union official before embarking on a career in parliament.
Ms Rayner grew up in the squalor of a rundown council estate in Stockport in Greater Manchester. Her mother had bipolar disorder and was prone to self-harm, and her father was nearly always out of work.
She would go once a week with her two younger siblings to bathe at her grandmother's flat because the family could not afford to pay for hot water.
When she left school, having become pregnant, she was told she would never amount to anything.
After studying part-time for a vocational qualification, she took a job as a care worker for the local council, where she was put forward as a union representative.
"I was mouthy and I would take no messing from management," she later recalled.
It was a move that set her on the path to a political career, rising through the ranks to became a full-time union convener, before standing successfully for the safe Labour seat of Ashton-under-Lyne in the 2015 general election.
At Westminster she identified with the "soft left" and was among the minority of Labour MPs to stand by Jeremy Corbyn in the chaotic aftermath of the Brexit referendum, when he faced a concerted push to oust him.
Nevertheless, when she stood successfully for the deputy leadership after Labour's crushing defeat in the 2019 general election, she said she was "not a Corbynite".
Aged 45, and an MP for just a decade, Ms Rayner promised to continue to serve the PM, "our country and the party and movement I love" but it remains to be seen whether she will be happy to remain on the backbenches.
Kemi Badenoch responds to Angela Rayner's resignation
13:09 , Megan Howe“She dodged tax, she lied about it, her position was untenable for days,” says Badenoch.
Watch the full video here:
Rayner is the eleventh person to leave the Labour Government since the General Election
13:05 , Megan HoweAngela Rayner is the 11th person to leave the Labour Government since the general election in July 2024.
Here is the full list:
1. Louise Haigh (November 28 2024). Resigned as transport secretary after failing to correct police records in 2013 regarding a stolen mobile phone.
2. Tulip Siddiq (January 14 2025). Resigned as economic secretary to the Treasury after an investigation by the independent adviser on ministerial standards.
3. Andrew Gwynne (February 8 2025). Sacked from job as under-secretary of state for public health and prevention for comments in a WhatsApp group.
4. Lord Cryer (February 14 2025). Resigned as government whip in the House of Lords due to personal reasons.
5. Annalise Dodds (February 28 2025). Resigned as international development minister and minister for women over cuts to the international aid budget.
6. Lord Hunt (May 22 2025). Retired after holding post of minister of state in Department for Energy Security.
7. Baroness Curran (June 6 2025). Resigned as minister of state in Department for Energy Security due to ill health.
8. Vicky Foxcroft (June 19 2025). Resigned as government whip in the House of Commons over proposed cuts to disability benefits.
9. Lord Moraes (July 22 2025). Resigned as government whip in the House of Lords due to personal reasons.
10. Rushanara Ali (August 7 2025). Resigned as homelessness minister in Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government after allegations she increased rent on a property she owned.
11. Angela Rayner (September 5 2025). Resigned as housing secretary and deputy prime minister after admitting she underpaid stamp duty on a flat.
'Splits within the Labour party within weeks' says Farage
12:50 , Megan HoweNigel Farage has brought forward his leader's speech at the Reform UK conference in the wake of Angela Rayner's resignation as deputy prime minister.
The Reform leader will speak at 1pm, three hours earlier than previously expected.
Mr Farage has said there will be "splits" within Labour when it begins the process to elect a new deputy leader.
In a video posted on X, Mr Farage said: "It was inevitable, wasn't it? Really, you can't be Housing Secretary and avoid £40,000 worth of stamp duty. It's just as simple as that.
"So, in the last few minutes, Angela Rayner has gone, but not just as Housing Secretary.
"Now, more significantly, she's gone as deputy leader of the Labour party and Deputy Prime Minister.
"That means there will be an internal election within the Labour party, and you're going to see the hard left of Labour shouting very, very loudly for the last few years, the story has been splits within the Conservative Party.
"Mark my words: Within weeks, it'll be splits within the Labour party."
Sir Keir Starmer has handwritten a letter to Angela Rayner following her departure from Government.
"I am very sad that your time as Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State and Deputy leader of the Labour Party has ended in this way,” the letter reads.
Here is Starmer's letter in full:
Dear Angela,
Thank you for informing me of your decision to resign from the government. I am very sad that your time as deputy prime minister, secretary of state and deputy leader of the Labour Party has ended this way.
As you know, we acted in accordance with the strengthened system relating to ministerial conduct that we put in place on coming into government. You were right to refer yourself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards and right to act on his conclusion.
Although I believe you have reached the right decision, it is a decision which I know is very painful for you. You have given your all to making the Labour government a success and you have been a central part of our plan to make Britain fairer for working families. Your work at MHCLG to help build the homes that Britain needs has been hugely important, and your work to create more fairness in the workplace through the employment rights bill represents a very significant achievement that will change the lives of millions of people.
On a personal note, I am very sad to be losing you from the government. You have been a trusted colleague and a true friend for many years. I have nothing but admiration for you and huge respect for your achievement in politics. I know that many people of all political persuasions admire that someone as talented as you is the living embodiment of social mobility,
Even though you won't be part of the government, you will remain a major figure in our party. I know you will continue to fight for the causes you care so passionately about.
My very best wishes and with real sadness, Keir
Rayner breached the ministerial code - report finds
12:39 , Megan HoweIndependent Ministerial Standards Advisor Sir Laurie Magnus’ report has been released which states Angela Rayner did breach the Ministerial Code.
The letter reads: “I believe Ms Rayner has acted with integrity and with a dedicated and exemplary commitment to public service.
“I consider, however, that her unfortunate failure to settle her SDLT liability at the correct level, coupled with the fact that this was established only following intensive public scrutiny, leads me to advise you that, in relation to this matter, she cannot be considered to have met the “highest possible standards of proper conduct” as envisaged by the Code.
“Accordingly, it is with deep regret that I must advise you that in these circumstances, I consider the Code to have been breached.”
'It was never my intention to do anything other than pay the right amount' - Rayner resignation letter
12:31 , Megan HoweAngela Rayner’s letter of resignation has been released.
The Deputy Prime Minister has stepped down from her role after she admitted to underpaying stamp duty on her seaside flat in Hove.
It reads: “I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice given both my position as Housing Secretary and my complex family arrangements.
“I take full responsibility for this error. I would like to take this opportunity to repeat that it was never my intention to do anything other than pay the right amount.
“Given the findings, and the impact on my family, I have therefore decided to resign as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, as well as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.”
She added: “Every day I had in office, I worked to serve working class communities like the one that I grew up in, which are too often overlooked by those in power.
“I am proud that in every decision I made, I did it for them.”
Here’s Angela Rayner’s letter of resignation pic.twitter.com/ebPUoGDg37
— Peter Henley (@Peter_Henley) September 5, 2025
Cabinet-wide reshuffle to take place
12:15 , Megan HoweFollowing the news that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has left Government, the Prime Minister will conduct a Cabinet-wide reshuffle to fill the gap.
Angela Rayner has served as deputy prime minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government since July 2024.
It is expected that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will remain in her post, but every other position is up for debate.
Angela Rayner stands down after admitting underpaying tax
12:09 , Megan HoweDeputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is expected to leave Government following an investigation into her tax affairs by Sir Keir Starmer's independent standards adviser, it is understood.
It comes after Rayner admitted to underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat in Hove.
The Prime Minister received the report by ethics watchdog Sir Laurie Magnus on Wednesday morning.
Ms Rayner, who is also the Housing Secretary, paid £40,000 less of the surcharge on the property than she should have, as she claimed it was her main home rather than a second home.
Starmer receives report into Angela Rayner
11:58 , Megan HoweSir Keir Starmer has received the report into whether Angela Rayner breached the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on a new home.
Downing Street has confirmed the report into the deputy prime minister has been completed.
The PM is now expected to make a decision based on the findings.
Council leader brands Hove graffiti as 'vile, sexist, criminal damage'
11:31 , Megan HoweThe leader of Brighton and Hove City Council has called vandalism outside Angela Rayner's flat "vile, sexist criminal damage".
On Thursday morning, the words "bitch" and "tax evader" had been daubed on the wall outside the Deputy Prime Minister's seaside flat in Hove.
The council has since painted over the damage, although when workers first went to do so on Thursday afternoon they were berated by local residents.
Labour's Brighton and Hove city council leader Bella Sankey said: "I'm disgusted by the vile, sexist, criminal damage targeting our Deputy Prime Minister in the city.
"I am glad the police are investigating this criminal act. There is no place for intimidation and toxic misogyny in Brighton and Hove."
D-Day for Angela Rayner? Deputy PM's political future hanging by thread as tax rules breach verdict looms
11:28 , Megan HoweAngela Rayner's political future appeared to be hanging by a thread as the Prime Minister awaits a verdict on whether she broke ministerial standards rules over her tax affairs.
Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly declined to say whether he would sack his deputy, who is also the Housing Secretary, if his independent ethics watchdog rules against her in findings expected to be disclosed on Friday.
D-Day for Angela Rayner? PM 'prepared to sack' deputy as tax verdict looms
Investment minister to leave the government
11:23 , Megan HoweBaroness Poppy Gustafsson, the investment minister, is expected to leave the government, according to Sky News.
A formal announcement is expected later today.
She was appointed in October with the goal of bringing investment into the UK, but after less than a year, it is understood she will be leaving her post.
Good morning
11:18 , Megan HoweThe Standard’s live blog on the Angela Rayner stamp duty second tax row has resumed for a second day.
Stay tuned for the latest updates, as the Prime Minister awaits a verdict on whether she broke ministerial standards rules over her tax affairs.
End of coverage
Thursday 4 September 2025 21:03 , Bill BowkettThank you for keeping up with our coverage of Angela Rayner today.
To summarise, lawyers used by Ms Rayner to buy a flat in Hove she has admitted underpaying stamp duty on have denied giving her tax advice in a fresh blow to the Deputy Prime Minister as she battles for her political future.
'We never gave her tax advice,' Rayner's lawyers claim
Thursday 4 September 2025 18:16 , Bill BowkettAngela Rayner’s lawyers have denied that they provided her tax advice over the Hove flat purchase.
The conveyancing firm that handled the transaction of her £800,000 second home in East Sussex insisted that it had done nothing wrong.
In an interview with Sky News, Ms Rayner blamed “legal advice that I received” for her failure to pay a £40,000 stamp duty bill.
Verrico & Associates confirmed that it advised the Deputy Prime Minister on the purchase of the house.
Director Joanna Verrico told the Daily Telegraph: “We acted for Ms Rayner when she purchased the flat in Hove. We did not and never have given tax or trust advice. It’s something we always refer our clients to an accountant or tax expert for.
“The stamp duty for the Hove flat was calculated using HMRC’s own online calculator based on the figures and the information provided by Ms Rayner.
“That’s what we used and it told us we had to pay £30,000 based on the information provided to us. We believe that we did everything correctly and in good faith. Everything was exactly as it should be.
“We probably are being made scapegoats for all this and I have got the arrows stuck in my back to show it. We are not an inexperienced firm, but we’re not qualified to give advice on trust and tax matters and we advise clients to seek expert advice on these.”
A spokesman for the Council for Licensed Conveyancers added: “We have asked them for a full account of events. They are not licensed to provide tax advice. What they are licensed to do is to provide conveyancing advice, and they are regulated to the highest standard.”
Rayner situation 'goes well beyond the code', claims Badenoch
Thursday 4 September 2025 17:16 , Bill BowkettKemi Badenoch has claimed the situation with Angela Rayner "goes well beyond the code".
"This is about breaking the law," she told the BBC. "If people break the law, yes I would sack them."
Asked about former Home Secretary Priti Patel keeping her job after being found of "unintentionally" breaching the ministerial code in her behaviour towards civil servants, the Opposition leader said the Tories are "under new management" and insists "if you break the law, you should resign".
Ms Badenoch added: "Time and time again, he (Sir Keir Starmer) has said that if this sort of situation happens he would instantly sack people.
"He has talked about tax fraud being made a criminal rather than a civil offence.
"When the shoe was on the other foot, when he was leader of the opposition, he went after people for this same scenario, as did Angela Rayner.
"What we're seeing from this is hypocrisy."
Balls accuses Rayner of 'hypocrisy' over housing fiasco
Thursday 4 September 2025 17:00 , Bill BowkettEd Balls, the former Labour minister who is married to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, has claimed Angela Rayner is “hypocritical” for not resigning over her housing fiasco.
He told his Political Currency podcast: “I think there is sympathy for her personal situation. But Angela Rayner was the person who was on the moral high ground demanding others resign.
“And it’s hypocritical of her (to have) one rule for everybody else, a different rule for her, for her not to resign.
“A bit like the allegations against Keir Starmer in Covid and whether he had broken Covid rules over that beer he had on a visit up to the north-east, this has been put into an independent process.
“In his case, it was a police investigation. In this case, referring this to the independent ethical adviser means that Angela Rayner can now wait to see what the result of that investigation is.”
Jo Cox charity condemns vandalism of Rayner's home
Thursday 4 September 2025 16:52 , Bill BowkettThe Jo Cox Foundation, the charity launched to build on the legacy of the former Batley and Spen MP who was murdered by Thomas Mair during the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign, has condemned the vandalism of the Deputy Prime Minister’s flat in Hove.
A spokesman said: “We are concerned by the reports of graffiti outside the apartment building where Angela Rayner owns a property.
“Any form of abuse and intimidation towards politicians, including vandalism at MPs’s homes, is never acceptable in our democracy.”
Probe into phone 'playing sex noises' during PMQs
Thursday 4 September 2025 16:44 , Bill BowkettA probe has reportedly been launched after a phone was hidden in the House of Commons to play "sex noises" during Prime Minister's Questions,.
It is thought the device was planted near the frontbench when Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch faced off, according to Sky News.
'No more dodging, no more excuses,' say Tories in fresh attack
Thursday 4 September 2025 16:39 , Bill BowkettNo more dodging. No more excuses.
— Conservatives (@Conservatives) September 4, 2025
It’s time for Rayner to go. pic.twitter.com/NdCo9uwPRK
Starmer expecting 'quick result' in probe into underpaid tax
Thursday 4 September 2025 16:26 , Matt WattsSir Keir Starmer has said he will “act on” the conclusions of his independent adviser’s investigation into Angela Rayner, as he declined to say whether he would sack his deputy if she was found to have breached the ministerial code.
In an interview with the BBC, the Prime Minister said: “There’s a clear procedure. I strengthened that procedure. It is now taking place.
“I am expecting a result pretty quickly. I do want it to be comprehensive, as you’d expect.
“And then, of course, I will act on whatever the report is that’s put in front of me.”
Asked whether he would sack Ms Rayner, Sir Keir said: “Angela Rayner has referred herself to the independent adviser. My experience is he will be comprehensive in the report that he gives me, it will be quick, and that’s what I’m expecting.
“And so I want to let that process take its course. I did strengthen that process, so she’s done the right thing, referred to the independent adviser, and now he will do his work and report back to me.”
'Tax evader' graffiti being treated as criminal damage, police say
Thursday 4 September 2025 15:28 , Megan HoweA spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "We have been made aware of graffiti outside an address in Hove.
"The matter is being treated as criminal damage and we are proactively making enquiries to gather information as to the circumstances.
"We will be contacting the homeowner to identify and address any further concerns.
"Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting serial 528 of 04/09."
MP for Hove expresses his disappointment at the 'tax evader' graffiti
Thursday 4 September 2025 15:27 , Megan HoweMP for Hove and Portslade, Peter Kyle said "Hove is better than this" as he expressed disappointment at the graffiti.
Mr Kyle, the Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, said: "I'm really disappointed that the heritage wall has been defaced over this issue. Hove is better than this.
"There are many, many ways people can express their anger and disappointment in Angela Rayner, including reporting her to the Commissioner for Standards. But defacing a wall is not one of those ways."
Angela Rayner used family conveyancing firm to buy Hove flat
Thursday 4 September 2025 15:14 , Megan HoweAngela Rayner used a small high-street conveyancing firm to purchase an £800,000 Hove flat.
The flat is at the centre of a tax row which has put the deputy PM’s political career in the balance.
The deputy prime minister employed Verrico & Associates, a family firm based in Herne Bay in Kent, to complete the transaction, according to Land Registry documents seen by The Guardian.
In a statement on Wednesday, she said she had taken legal advice when she bought the south coast flat, which suggested she was “liable to pay standard stamp duty”, but had then sought “further advice from a leading tax counsel” after headlines about the arrangement.
She learned that the initial advice had been inaccurate and she was liable to pay additional stamp duty.
That is because she had put her stake in her constituency home in Ashton into a trust set up in 2020 for her disabled son.
Tax experts said the Hove property could not be treated as her only residence because of the nature of the trust.
Rayner spoke out hours after a court order was lifted which had prevented her from disclosing information about her property arrangements.
Recap: PM and Cabinet rally around Rayner
Thursday 4 September 2025 14:33 , Jacob PhillipsSir Keir Starmer and his Cabinet have rallied around Angela Rayner but declined to guarantee her political future after she admitted underpaying stamp duty on a property purchase this year.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave the Deputy Prime Minister their “full confidence” while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she had “sought to be transparent” in the scandal over her tax affairs.
However, Downing Street has refused to say when Sir Keir was first made aware of key details that led his deputy to refer herself for an ethics investigation in a sign No 10 is trying to limit the scope of the fallout.
It comes as sources close to Ms Rayner, who is also the Housing Secretary, said she was given three separate pieces of legal advice before buying an £800,000 flat in Hove at the centre of the row.
You can read more about how the prime minister and cabinet have reacted to the row below.
What are the key events in Angela Rayner's stamp duty row?
Thursday 4 September 2025 13:48 , Jacob PhillipsAngela Rayner is facing calls to resign after she admitted underpaying stamp duty on a seaside flat she bought earlier this year.
The Deputy Prime Minister has faced questions about the purchase of the £800,000 Hove home in recent weeks, after the Daily Telegraph reported she paid £40,000 less in stamp duty on the property than she should have if it were considered a second home.
This was because she claimed it was her primary residence for the purpose of the purchase, after her name was removed from the deeds of her family home in Greater Manchester.
In conflict with this, Ms Rayner had elsewhere described the Ashton-under-Lyne property as her primary residence.
You can find out more about how Angela Rayner ended up fighting for her political life in the story below.
'If an error has been made, I believe it was just that - an error' says MP
Thursday 4 September 2025 13:33 , Megan HoweNorwich South MP Clive Lewis, who has previously criticised the Government over policies like the backing of the Heathrow Airport expansion, said he did not think Ms Rayner should be considering quitting.
He said: "I know Angela well enough to say with confidence that she is scrupulous when it comes to following the rules.
"If an error has been made on her taxes, I believe it was just that - an error - not an attempt to avoid paying what she owes."
He said there were "legal constraints" on how much she can disclose and that she has already done the "responsible thing" in referring herself to the ethics adviser, adding: "For those reasons, I don't believe she should be considering her position.
"We are all fallible and what matters is how we act when mistakes occur. I have every confidence she will rectify this fully and transparently."
Downing Street refuses to say when PM was first made aware of key details
Thursday 4 September 2025 13:32 , Megan HoweDowning Street has refused to say when Sir Keir Starmer was first made aware of key details that led his deputy to refer herself for an ethics investigation in a sign No 10 is trying to limit the scope of the fallout.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister was “kept updated” of the steps being taken by Ms Rayner over her tax affairs but declined to say when he was made aware of fresh legal advice that prompted her statement.
A Number 10 spokesman said the Deputy Prime Minister had received “draft” advice on Monday - the same day that Sir Keir said negative briefings against his deputy were a “mistake” in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.
He said she got the final advice suggesting that she had underpaid stamp duty on Wednesday morning but would not confirm whether this was “materially different” from the information given on Monday, or when the Prime Minister knew.
PM condemns graffiti on Angela Rayner's property in Hove
Thursday 4 September 2025 12:12 , Megan HoweSir Keir Starmer has condemned vandalism at Angela Rayner's seaside flat in Hove after she admitted underpaying stamp duty on the property.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "Some of you may have seen the photos of the vandalism of the Deputy Prime Minister's home this morning.
"The Prime Minister condemns this vandalism in the strongest possible terms.
"Whatever scrutiny our parliamentarians may face, it is appalling that their private homes should be targeted in this way."
Rayner spokesperson condemns 'unjustifiable' graffiti outside her house
Thursday 4 September 2025 11:55 , Megan HoweA spokesperson for Angela Rayner has said the graffiti outside her property in Hove is “totally unjustifiable” and “beyond the pale”.
They said: "This vandalism to residents' homes is totally unjustifiable and beyond the pale.
"Neither Angela nor her neighbours deserve to be subjected to harassment and intimidation.
"It will rightly be a matter for the police to take action as they deem appropriate."
Graffiti calling the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, a "tax evader" and a "b****" appeared outside the property this morning
It comes after she admitted yesterday that she underpaid the stamp duty owed on the property.
Commons leader defends Rayner despite accusations of 'impropriety'
Thursday 4 September 2025 11:32 , Megan HoweCommons Leader Lucy Powell said the Tories are having a go at Rayner because she is “bloody good at her job”.
However, the Shadow Leader of the House, Jesse Norman, said Rayner's conduct gives the "appearance of very serious impropriety".
The Conservative MP said it "discredits both the prime minister and the government as a whole".
Angela Rayner: The working-class defender of Labour values
Thursday 4 September 2025 11:02 , Megan HoweAngela Rayner once described herself as “John Prescott in a skirt” and, like the former deputy prime minister before her, she is to many Labour supporters the authentic voice of the party’s traditional values.
Like her predecessor, she worked her way up the hard way, leaving school at 16 and cutting her teeth as a trade union official before embarking on a career in parliament.
Openly ambitious, her popularity with the party’s grassroots had seen her increasingly touted as a replacement for Sir Keir Starmer as Labour has struggled during its first year in office.
Whether such ambitions can survive the latest controversy over the payment of stamp duty on her seaside flat remains to be seen – but she is unlikely to give up without a fight.
Angela Rayner 'used some of her disabled son's NHS compensation to buy second home'
Thursday 4 September 2025 10:57 , Megan HoweAngela Rayner is facing fresh scrutiny amid reports she used £160,000 from a trust set up to care for her disabled son to buy a second home on the seafront in Hove.
The Deputy Prime Minister sold a 25% share of her home in Ashton-under-Lyne constituency to the trust for £162,500, according to the Telegraph.
Ms Rayner said on Wednesday that her son Charlie had been born prematurely and received a payout in 2020. The paper said it followed an 11-year legal battle between the Rayner and the hospital where her son was born in 2008.
Angela Rayner 'used some of her disabled son's NHS compensation to buy second home'
'Tax evader' scrawled outside the apartment building of Angela Rayner
Thursday 4 September 2025 10:52 , Megan HoweThe words ‘tax evader’ have been daubed outside Angela Rayner’s second home in Hove, which is the subject of the scrutiny.
Pictures taken today show the purple graffiti scribbled on a pillar outside the apartment block.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reeves declines to say whether stamp duty is too complicated
Thursday 4 September 2025 10:48 , Megan HoweChancellor Rachel Reeves declined to say whether she thought stamp duty was too complicated when asked by broadcasters.
She said it was "incumbent on all of us to try to properly understand the rules".
"Angela tried to do the right thing and, of course, it is incumbent on all of us to try to properly understand the rules, and she is now working to make sure that the correct tax is paid,” the Chancellor told reporters.
Rachel Reeves has 'full confidence' in the deputy prime minister
Thursday 4 September 2025 10:44 , Megan HoweRachel Reeves has this morning said she has “full confidence” in Angela Rayner and described her as a “good friend and colleague”.
She told broadcasters: "Yes, I have full confidence in Angela Rayner. She's a good friend and a colleague she has accepted the right stamp duty wasn't paid.
"That was an error, that was a mistake. She is working hard now to rectify that, in contact with HMRC to make sure that the correct tax is paid.
"Anyone that saw Angela's statement yesterday, saw her interview yesterday, I think will have a lot of sympathy with some of the challenging family circumstances around this, around Angela's disabled son, but of course, it is right that people pay their right amount of tax."
She said the "definitive advice" on the Deputy Prime Minister's stamp duty arrangements came in on Wednesday morning.
Recap: What has Angela Rayner said?
Thursday 4 September 2025 10:40 , Megan HoweYesterday, Angela Rayner said she had received inaccurate legal advice that led her to underpay tax when buying a flat in Hove in May.
She has been under pressure after media reports claimed she saved £40,000 in stamp duty on the property because she removed her name from the deeds of a family home in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, classifying the Hove flat as her only property despite still spending time at the family house.
In a statement on Wednesday, she said she had taken legal advice when she bought the south coast flat, which suggested she was “liable to pay standard stamp duty”, but had then sought “further advice from a leading tax counsel” after headlines about the arrangement.
She learned that the initial advice had been inaccurate and she was liable to pay additional stamp duty.
That is because she had put her stake in her constituency home in Ashton into a trust set up in 2020 for her disabled son.
Tax experts said the Hove property could not be treated as her only residence because of the nature of the trust.
Rayner spoke out hours after a court order was lifted which had prevented her from disclosing information about her property arrangements.
What has the Prime Minister said?
Thursday 4 September 2025 10:37 , Megan HoweSir Keir Starmer has shown support for his deputy, saying he was “very proud to sit alongside” her at yesterday’s PMQs.
He added that her move to refer herself to the independent ethics adviser was “the right thing to do”.
Rayner, who is also the Housing Secretary, said she had received inaccurate legal advice that led her to underpay tax when buying a flat in Hove in May.
In the Commons, Sir Keir said: “She has explained her personal circumstances in detail. She’s gone over and above in setting out the details including, Mr Speaker, yesterday afternoon, asking a court to lift a confidentiality order in relation to her own son.
“I know from speaking at length to the Deputy Prime Minister just how difficult that decision was for her. But she did it to ensure that all information is in the public domain.
“She has now referred herself to the independent adviser. That is the right thing to do.
“But I can be clear, I am very proud to sit alongside a Deputy Prime Minister who is building 1.5 million homes, who is bringing the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights for generations, and who has come from a working-class background to become Deputy Prime Minister.”
Pressure grows on Angela Rayner to quit over second home stamp duty saga
Thursday 4 September 2025 10:34 , Megan HoweDeputy PM Angela Rayner is facing further questions today after she admitted to not paying enough stamp duty on a £800,000 flat in Hove.
Rayner has referred herself to the prime minister’s standards adviser who is expected to report back on whether she broke ministerial rules later this week.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have rallied around Angela Rayner amid calls for her to be sacked.
The PM said he was “very proud to sit alongside” his deputy at Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions and added that her move to refer herself to the independent ethics adviser was “the right thing to do”.
It is understood Rayner consulted three people before buying the flat, including one individual experienced in conveyancing and two experts on the law around trusts.
