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British Deputy Prime Minister Steps Down Amid Tax Controversy
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has resigned from her position following revelations about unpaid taxes on a property purchase. The Labour Party politician submitted her resignation to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on September 5, 2025, after admitting to underpaying stamp duty on her second home.
Complex Family Situation Blamed
Rayner acknowledged on Wednesday that she had paid insufficient taxes but attributed the error to her legal advisors who allegedly failed to account for her "complex family situation." According to her statement, during her 2023 divorce settlement, it was agreed that her children would remain in the family home due to her son's special educational needs.
The property was transferred to her son's name, though both Rayner and her ex-husband continued to live there intermittently. In May, she purchased another property and paid taxes at a lower rate than required for second homes.
Political Fallout for Starmer Government
Prime Minister Starmer faces significant political challenges following Rayner's departure. The resignation comes just as the Labour government was launching "phase two" of its agenda, promising to "deliver, deliver, and deliver" on election promises.
Rayner's exit creates a power vacuum within the Labour Party and threatens to derail Starmer's legislative agenda. The Prime Minister had previously viewed Rayner as a potential rival, having attempted unsuccessfully to sideline her during his time as opposition leader.
Recent weeks had seen speculation in British media about Starmer's potential early departure, with Rayner positioned as his likely successor. This threat has now been neutralized, though at significant political cost to the government.
Source: BBC News
