Angela Rayner admits tax errors at £800,000 Hoff’s home but refuses to resign
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner admitted that she was under tax on her £800,000 Hoff property, and he admitted that she had made a “mistake” but insisted that she had taken legal advice sincerely.
Reiner confirmed in his speech to Beth Rigby, political editor of Sky News, that she did not pay full stamp duty in her second house, an estimated responsibility of about £40,000. She said she has now introduced herself to the HMRC and the independent adviser to the Minister’s Code.
Rayner explained that the error stemmed from a complex trust arrangement established in 2020 for her son, who had lifelong disability. The trust was formed by the court and as part of the post-injury ruling, the legal trustee manages the property, which has been adjusted to the needs of the son.
When Rayner divorced in 2023, she said the trust had ownership of the family home so both parents could continue to use it while caring for the child. She then withdrew the remaining equity from the property to buy Hoff home with a mortgage.
She told Rigby that she relied on advice that she only assumed the responsibility for the standard stamp duty because she technically owned a property. But the subsequent expert lawyer concluded that due to the nature of the trust, she should pay additional fees.
“Once I knew that was it, I reminded HMRC and mentioned myself for independent review,” she said.
“Don’t hide”
Rayner rejected allegations that she deliberately avoided taxes. “The trust was established by the court after the injury and was offered to my son,” she said. “I’m not trying to avoid taxes.”
She said the confidential nature of her divorce and family arrangements was protected by court orders until recently lifted, which prevented her from providing her full account earlier.
The deputy leader of the Labor Party admitted that she briefly considered resigning, describing the episode as “destructive.” “I thought I would do it right, and I rely on the advice I received,” she said. “I kept trying to maintain the rules.”
Rayner says about whether her location is sustainable, especially considering her housing profile, “People make mistakes, but I make mistakes when trying to do the right thing, and I hope people can see that.”
Reiner’s case will now be reviewed by the Minister’s Standard Independent Advisor. HMRC has also been contacted to ensure additional tax payments are paid.
Her political future will depend on whether voters and colleagues accept her explanation that mistakes are one of the legal misunderstandings, not the intention – whether she can survive the impact when Reeves prepares for November’s budget and the workforce faces pressure on economic credibility.
