Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, has expressed her enthusiasm for returning to campaigning following her clearance by both the police and HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) in relation to allegations concerning the sale of her former home.
This incident involved claims that she might have incorrectly declared her primary residence, potentially leading to tax implications and legal scrutiny.
However, both Greater Manchester Police and HMRC have concluded that Rayner acted correctly and that no further action would be taken against her.
“I’m going to [be] powering up my battlebus and going up and down the country making the case for a Labour government,” she said gleefully.
She added, “I love campaigning and getting out to speak to ordinary people and I really feel like this is a time where people are calling out for change.”
Despite her enthusiasm, she admitted the last few weeks have been tough. “It was very difficult personally, because I’ve never been in trouble and I’ve always tried to do the right thing,” she said.
“While I was confident, it’s also demoralizing when your opponents use this as a tactic to try and stop you from carrying out your work. It was a complete distraction from the issues that face people of this country.”
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
Rayner’s clearance by HMRC specifically addressed concerns about capital gains tax on the sale of her former council house in Stockport.
The allegations suggested that her primary residence at the time of the sale was not the council house but a nearby address belonging to her husband.
However, HMRC confirmed that Rayner owed no capital gains tax for the sale, based on evidence showing that the council house was indeed her principal residence throughout the period she owned it.
This conclusion meant that no tax was due on the sale, resolving the initial concern.
Additionally, Greater Manchester Police investigated claims that Rayner had falsely declared her permanent address on the electoral register, which could have constituted a criminal offense.
After reviewing the evidence, the police also cleared Rayner of any wrongdoing, stating that no further action would be taken against her.
Rayner Indicates Readiness And Gratitude For Support Received
Following these clearances, Rayner has indicated her readiness to return to campaigning, expressing relief and gratitude for the support she received during this challenging period.
Rayner said, “I’m more frustrated with the Tories. It’s not the first time they’ve done it. They’ve done it multiple times. It’s a playbook that they seem to want to deploy. Using [police] resources in that way for political gain – I don’t think that’s acceptable from any political party.”
She believes she was a particular target because the Tories see her as a threat.
“They know I’m an electoral asset to our core vote. You know, I am Marmite. Some people would say that they don’t like what I stand for, but I think most people do know that I stand for fairness, and I stand for giving people opportunity.”
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
Rayner was a slew of stories in the rightwing press over her living arrangements. Her son’s birth certificate was published online, and journalists knocked multiple times on the doors of former neighbors.
She has described the allegations as “desperate tactics” from the Conservatives, highlighting the political nature of the attacks and her determination to continue advocating for Labour’s policies and values.
This episode underscores the complexities of political life, where individuals’ private lives can become subjects of public scrutiny and controversy.
Rayner’s successful navigation of these challenges and her subsequent return to campaigning demonstrate resilience and a strong commitment to her political role.
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