"Firm accused of being a 'scapegoat' in tax advice case approaches critical decision point concerning Deputy Prime Minister Rayner"
In a developing political saga, Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner is currently under investigation for a potential breach of ministerial rules, following the revelation that she underpaid stamp duty on a property purchase.
The investigation was triggered on September 4, 2025, when Rayner voluntarily referred herself to the independent standards adviser, after receiving new legal advice that she was liable for the extra stamp duty on her seaside property in Hove. The Prime Minister has since expressed his intention to act on the findings of the investigation.
The controversy stems from Rayner's failure to pay the higher rate of stamp duty reserved for additional home purchases, which resulted in a saving of £40,000. This oversight came to light after media scrutiny, prompting Rayner to seek legal advice and ultimately leading to her self-referral for investigation.
The conveyancing firm, Verrico and Associates, which was initially linked to Rayner for tax advice, has denied any involvement in this matter, claiming they are being made "scapegoats." It is understood that Rayner initially relied on informal assessments from real estate agents before obtaining legal advice, and Verrico was not specifically identified as having been engaged for tax advice on her house purchase in Hove.
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, has defended Rayner, stating that she did the right thing by paying the due tax and referring herself to the independent advisor on ministerial interests. Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates, however, suggested that Rayner may not have obtained tax advice before this week.
In a bid to rectify the situation, Rayner established a court-instructed trust in 2020 following a settlement with the NHS over a personal incident involving her son. She has since put her stake in her constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne into this trust, which a leading tax counsel later told her made her liable to pay the additional stamp duty on her new Hove flat.
As the investigation unfolds, Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, has not yet committed to sacking Rayner if she is found to have broken the ministerial code. He has stated that he expects a comprehensive report from the investigation and will act on its findings. The ministerial ethics watchdog's probe could report back as early as Friday.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has criticised Rayner, calling the situation damning evidence that she has not been honest with the public. Our website has contacted Labour for comment regarding the new developments.
As the investigation continues, the public awaits the findings and the Prime Minister's response to the report, which could have significant implications for Rayner's political future.
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