Labour leader Keir Starmer supports Angela Rayner despite allegations, as questions arise over her former council house sale

Amidst growing scrutiny over the sale of her former council house, Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner finds herself at the centre of a political storm, with Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer facing repeated questions about his confidence in her. During a recent media engagement, Sir Keir was pressed to declare his trust in Rayner fully, to which he responded affirmatively, albeit avoiding the “100 per cent” confidence label suggested by interviewers.

The controversy stems from Rayner’s sale of her council house in Stockport in 2015, coupled with discrepancies regarding her primary residence during the time. Allegations suggest Rayner may have provided incorrect information about her living arrangements, which are currently under police review. Despite the ongoing controversy, Rayner has maintained her innocence and contends she has acted within legal bounds, supported by legal advice which she has yet to disclose publicly.

While campaigning in Blackpool South, Starmer emphasized his support for Rayner, reiterating his confidence in her integrity and professionalism. He challenged the media to focus on broader issues such as NHS reforms and economic disparities, rather than fixating on the allegations against his deputy. “Angela’s answered all those questions. I have full confidence in her, I’ve expressed that over and over again,” Starmer asserted, attempting to steer the conversation towards national issues.

However, opposition figures, including Deputy Conservative Party Chairman Jack Lopresti, argue that Starmer’s hesitance to fully endorse Rayner without reservations indicates a lack of decisive leadership. Lopresti has called for an independent investigation to thoroughly examine the details of Rayner’s property transaction, suggesting that the Labour leadership is avoiding a deep dive into the ethics of the situation.

The political implications are significant as the Labour Party strives to maintain its image of transparency and integrity. Richard Holden, the Conservative Party Chairman, has criticized the Labour leadership’s handling of the case, claiming it undermines their commitment to high public standards.

As Greater Manchester Police reassess their initial decision not to investigate Rayner, the outcome could have profound effects on her political career and on Labour’s credibility. The situation remains dynamic, with potential developments that could influence public perception and political alignments in the coming months.