Overview
- Downing Street published emails showing Harvey & Wheeler told Nicholas Joicey they would apply for the selective licence, but the application was never made.
- The letting agency apologised and said a staff member who offered to handle the paperwork resigned before the tenancy, adding the firm does not usually apply on clients’ behalf.
- Rachel Reeves accepted responsibility for complying with the rules and said she has applied for the Southwark licence.
- Keir Starmer accepted the independent adviser’s finding of no bad faith and confirmed Reeves will remain in post to deliver the 26 November Budget.
- Conservative figures, including Kemi Badenoch, pressed for a formal probe as critics noted possible penalties for unlicensed landlords under the Housing Act and Southwark’s enforcement policies.