Overview

• Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told Times Radio that Rayner is entitled to buy property and has "followed all the rules."
• Reports say Rayner removed her name from the Ashton-under-Lyne home deed in 2023, splitting ownership with a trust administered by Shoosmiths, enabling the Hove flat to be treated as her only property and avoiding about £40,000 in additional stamp duty.
• She is reported to have designated the Ashton house as her primary residence, which meant no council tax was due on her grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House.
• The Conservative Party is calling for an ethics or ministerial-code inquiry, and Labour MP Graham Stringer says the situation "doesn't look good" for the party.
• Rayner’s office says she paid all taxes and complied with requirements, with a spokesperson stating the duty on the Hove purchase was paid properly, and allies say the Hove flat will be used as a work base rather than rented out.