Angela Rayner Resigns as Starmer Reshuffles Cabinet
The political landscape in Westminster has shifted dramatically, as Angela Rayner stepped down from her roles as deputy prime minister, housing secretary, and deputy leader of the Labour Party. Her resignation followed the findings of an ethics report that concluded she had underpaid stamp duty on a flat in Hove and, in doing so, breached the ministerial code.
Rayner had already referred herself to the prime minister’s independent ethics adviser earlier in the week, after acknowledging the tax error. The report confirmed that she had not taken the specialist advice she had been advised to seek, which was deemed a serious lapse given her senior position. Although the adviser described her as having acted with integrity and in good faith, the breach of the code left little room for her to remain in government.
In her resignation letter, Rayner admitted full responsibility, saying it had never been her intention to avoid paying the correct amount of tax. She described the decision as painful but necessary, especially given the impact the scrutiny was having on her family. Keir Starmer, in a handwritten response, said he was saddened by her departure, calling her “a major figure” who would continue to shape the party from the backbenches.
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This marks a devastating moment for Rayner, who had risen through the ranks of Labour to become one of its most prominent voices. Just fourteen months into the new Labour government, she has been forced to step aside at a time when she held three significant roles. The loss of such a central figure is also a serious blow for Starmer, whose leadership is now being tested in a very public way.
The resignation has triggered a wider cabinet reshuffle. Lucy Powell has left her position as Leader of the House of Commons, and Ian Murray is no longer Secretary of State for Scotland. These moves have caused ripples of discontent, particularly in Scottish Labour, where Murray had long been seen as a crucial figure. Starmer is now expected to appoint a new deputy prime minister and reorganize his team to restore stability.
Reactions across the political spectrum have been swift. Conservatives accused Starmer of weakness, arguing that Rayner should have been dismissed sooner. The Liberal Democrats urged the government to move forward and focus on national issues, while Reform UK’s Nigel Farage called the resignation “inevitable” and sought to capitalize on the moment.
Tax experts believe Rayner may face a financial penalty, likely between 20% and 30% of the underpaid duty, adding a further sting to her departure. Beyond the personal consequences, the episode leaves unanswered questions about Labour’s future direction. Who will succeed Rayner? How will Starmer manage the fallout? And what does this mean for the party’s efforts to present itself as a government-in-waiting?
For now, the sense is one of uncertainty. A key figure has fallen, a cabinet is being reshaped, and Keir Starmer is facing one of the toughest challenges of his leadership so far.
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