Angela Rayner delivered a heartfelt resignation speech to the House of Commons, declaring there is “no excuse not to pay taxes owed” after stepping down as Deputy Prime Minister. The Ashton-under-Lyne MP described the past few weeks as “incredibly tough” for her family and pledged full cooperation with HMRC following what she said was an “honestly-made mistake” in her tax affairs. Ms Rayner, who also served as Housing Secretary, said she had been given incorrect advice that led to underpayment of stamp duty on a property purchase in Hove, East Sussex. She insisted she had acted transparently throughout the process and hoped her experience would raise awareness for families in similarly complex tax situations.
++ High-fibre diet may prevent and reverse sugar-related liver disease
Visibly emotional during her statement, Ms Rayner reflected on the pressure public life places on loved ones and reaffirmed her commitment to transparency. “We all know the toll that intense scrutiny can take,” she said. “But I’ve always believed in the highest standards of accountability, and it’s the price we pay for the privilege of serving.” The Labour MP added that she would repay any outstanding taxes and take full responsibility for the error. “There is no excuse not to pay taxes owed, and I will do so,” she stated firmly.
Ms Rayner also spoke of her dedication to working-class communities and her pride in the progress of the Labour Government’s agenda. She highlighted the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, calling it a “game changer” for millions of workers trapped in insecure and low-paid jobs. Reflecting on her time as Housing Secretary, she spoke movingly about her work with the families affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy, describing it as a “humbling experience” and a reminder of the importance of public service.
++ Mayfair robber jailed after targeting tim hortons boss for £65,000 watch
Concluding her speech, Ms Rayner thanked colleagues and vowed to continue fighting for fairness and opportunity, whether from the front or back benches. “Backbench or frontbench, elected office is not about us, but about our chance to change the lives of others,” she said. Reflecting on her own journey from a teenage mother to senior minister, she said: “People wrote me off, but I wanted to prove them wrong — and I’ll keep fighting for those who need someone to fight for them.” Her resignation has prompted a cabinet reshuffle, while Labour MPs Lucy Powell and Bridget Phillipson begin their campaigns to succeed her as Deputy Leader.
