Angela Rayner’s £17,000 Payout Sparks Controversy
Angela Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, has received a £17,000 ‘golden goodbye’ payout after resigning over a tax scandal. The revelation has sparked intense debate about accountability and consistency in political conduct.
Rayner stepped down from her roles last month after an investigation found she had underpaid approximately £40,000 in stamp duty on an £800,000 seaside apartment in Hove, East Sussex. This breach of the Ministerial Code led to her resignation, but the controversy surrounding her departure continues to unfold.
In opposition, Rayner had been a vocal critic of severance payments for ministers who violated the code. She had campaigned for a ban on such payouts for those who breached the rules. However, her office had remained silent on whether she would accept the £16,876 payment until recently.
A spokesperson for Rayner confirmed that the payment was automatically issued in September based on standard calculations. Despite this, the situation has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.
New Rules and Political Reactions
New regulations, supported by Rayner herself, have come into effect this week. These rules prohibit ministers from receiving severance pay if they commit a ‘serious breach’ of the code. However, Rayner’s spokesperson argued that the new policy would not have affected her eligibility because her breach was not deemed serious.
This explanation has not satisfied critics. Tory MP Neil O’Brien accused Rayner of being a “total hypocrite” and called for her to return the payment. He stated, “Having criticized these kinds of payments when she was in opposition, she now wants to keep the money now that it is her getting the boot.” O’Brien added, “As per usual, it’s one rule for her and another for everyone else.”
He further emphasized that Rayner broke the rules by not paying her taxes and should return the taxpayers’ money immediately. His comments reflect the growing pressure on Rayner to reconcile her actions with her previous public stance.
A History of Criticism
Rayner’s criticism of severance payments was evident during Boris Johnson’s Cabinet reshuffle in 2021. At that time, she tweeted, “The Tory ministers who lost their jobs today will all get a £17,000 bonus on the way out.” This statement highlighted her stance against what she viewed as unfair compensation for departing officials.
Her resignation has also triggered a fierce contest for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party, which remains unresolved. The internal conflict underscores the broader implications of her actions on the party’s reputation and direction.
Defense and Integrity
Rayner’s spokesperson defended her actions, stating, “There is a world of difference between making an honest mistake and a severe breach of the Ministerial Code, and as the independent ethics adviser’s investigation concluded, Angela acted with integrity.” This defense highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for a nuanced understanding of the circumstances.
Ongoing Questions
Several questions remain unanswered regarding Rayner’s exit from Keir Starmer’s Cabinet. Why does she face a staggering £53,000 tax penalty amidst her dramatic exit? Will she defy her own past stance and accept the controversial £17,000 government severance payout amid demands for integrity? Additionally, why is she considering resignation amid a stunning tax admission over her second property?
These questions continue to fuel public discourse and highlight the ongoing scrutiny of political figures in the wake of ethical breaches. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on accountability, consistency, and the broader implications for governance and public trust.