Overview
- The prime minister and his independent standards adviser concluded the breach was an inadvertent failure with no evidence of bad faith and said no further action is needed.
- Emails published by No 10 show the letting agent told the chancellor’s husband a selective licence was required and said it would apply, but the agency later admitted it failed to submit the application after a staff resignation.
- Downing Street said Rachel Reeves retains the prime minister’s confidence and will deliver the Budget on November 26.
- Reeves has now applied for the licence, while Southwark’s policy indicates landlords are first warned and given 21 days to apply before fines are considered.
- Legal exposure remains possible, including a civil penalty and rent‑repayment orders of up to 12 months’ rent, with press estimates in this case around £38,000–£41,000.