Investigation Launched into Angela Rayner’s Residency Declaration by Police
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are currently investigating allegations that Labour’s deputy leader may have violated electoral law regarding information she provided about her living situation over ten years ago.
GMP initially stated that there would be no investigation, but later confirmed on Friday that they are looking into whether any offenses were committed based on information provided by James Daily, the deputy chairman of the Conservative Party.
A police spokesperson mentioned, “We are investigating whether any offenses have taken place following a reassessment of the information given to us by Mr. Daly.”
Mr. Daily, who represents Bury North, accused Ms. Rayner of potentially making a false statement on the electoral register regarding her residence. Ms. Rayner has also faced questions about her tax payments when she sold the property in 2015.
The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne has denied the accusations, stating that she did nothing wrong and labeling the scrutiny of her tax affairs as an attempt to tarnish her reputation.
Ms. Rayner has insisted that a property on Vicarage Road in Stockport was her main residence while her husband was listed at a different address.
Starmer ‘Confident’ Rayner Had Not Violated Rules
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed his confidence that his deputy did not break any rules.
He welcomed the investigation to bring clarity to the situation, stating, “I am fully confident that Angela Rayner has not violated any rules. She will cooperate with the investigation as expected, and it is now a matter for the police.”
Starmer Declines 3 Times to Say if Rayner Should Resign
Regarding the allegations and police investigation, Sir Keir declined to comment three times on whether Ms. Rayner should resign as deputy leader if found guilty of a crime.
Sir Keir emphasized the need to allow the police to conduct their investigation, stating that Ms. Rayner will cooperate, as expected.
In another instance in January 2022, Ms. Rayner called for then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign after a police investigation was launched into potential violations of lockdown rules.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has welcomed the police investigation and criticized Ms. Rayner for “double standards.”
He emphasized that it is important for the allegations to be thoroughly investigated and commended the police for taking action.
Various figures, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and shadow energy minister Ed Miliband, have spoken out in support of Ms. Rayner, and a Labour spokesperson reiterated their confidence that she has always adhered to the rules and will cooperate fully with the police investigation.
PA Media contributed to this report.
