Overview

• She resigned citing that remaining in her post would distract from government work after reports she evicted four tenants last November and later re-listed her east London townhouse with a £700 monthly rent increase.
• Conservative, Labour and SNP figures accused her of hypocrisy and demanded accountability for ending tenancies and then raising rent on her own property.
• Her departure has sharpened attention on the Renters’ Rights Bill, which would bar landlords from re-letting a home at a higher price within six months of eviction aimed at sale.
• Former tenants recounted feeling powerless over their forced move and sudden rent hike, and campaigners from Generation Rent, ACORN and the Renters’ Reform Coalition called for stronger safeguards, including rent controls and enhanced deposit protections.
• The episode has intensified scrutiny of MPs who act as private landlords and prompted debate over potential conflicts between personal property interests and public housing responsibilities.