Starmer backs Rayner amid row over Hove flat

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly defended his deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, on Friday as she faced criticism from the Conservatives over the purchase of a flat in Hove.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Rayner saved about £40,000 in stamp duty when buying an £800,000 flat in East Sussex after allegedly telling tax authorities the property was her main home. The newspaper said she had told the local council the same property was a second home and paid a higher level of council tax on that basis.

There is no suggestion that Rayner has broken the law, and her office said she had paid "the relevant duty" on the Hove property "entirely properly." Conservatives have accused her of hypocrisy and urged an investigation by the prime minister's standards adviser.

Sir Keir told the BBC he was "proud" of his deputy and said that "talking her down" would be "a big mistake." The prime minister's official spokesman said earlier that Starmer had confidence in Rayner, adding that the two work closely "on delivering on the public's priorities." The spokesman also noted a court order that restricts Rayner from providing further information, which she is urgent­ly working to address.

The dispute centres on how the property was declared for different purposes. Stamp duty land tax is charged by HM Revenue & Customs and can vary depending on whether a buyer declares a new purchase as a primary residence or an additional property. Local councils set council tax bandings and discounts according to whether a dwelling is occupied as a main residence or a second home.

Rayner's allies have reiterated her statement that all relevant duties were paid, while Conservative figures described the apparent discrepancy as evidence of double standards by Labour. They have called for the prime minister's standards adviser to examine the matter to determine whether any rules or expectations of ministerial behaviour were breached.

A formal referral to the standards adviser would trigger a review of the facts and whether they fall within the remit of the ministerial code. The code sets out obligations on ministers and senior officials, including transparency about financial interests, but it is distinct from criminal tax and council tax rules enforced by other authorities.

Labour has asserted that the issue is being raised for political purposes ahead of upcoming parliamentary business. Rayner, who holds senior roles within the government, has faced public scrutiny in the past over her personal finances and housing arrangements; her office says she has sought to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements.

It remained unclear on Friday whether the standards adviser would accept a referral or open a formal inquiry. Any examination by the adviser's office would seek to establish the precise declarations made to different authorities, the reasons for any discrepancies and whether explanations provided by Rayner and her team are adequate.

Rayner's office did not provide further documentary evidence on Friday beyond its earlier statement that the requisite duties had been paid. The Conservatives said they would press for a full and independent review; Labour framed the criticism as politically motivated and reiterated that there was no allegation of illegality.

The row adds to scrutiny of ministers' private financial arrangements at a time when the government says it is committed to transparency and integrity in public life. The prime minister's public defence and the invocation of a court order restrict­ing additional comment underscore the sensitivity and potential legal constraints surrounding the case.