Angela Rayner 'contacted by police' as Labour deputy faces quizzing over second home dispute

12 May 2024, 17:45

Angela Rayner has been contacted by police as the probe into the MP's ongoing housing row continues.

Police made contact with Labour's deputy leader to arrange a date to speak with her over the allegations, it emerged today.

It comes as the political row surrounding the MP's second home continued over the weekend, amid claims she made a false declaration about her primary residence on the electoral register.

The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with further claims stemming back to the 2015 sale of her former council house.

Now, according to The Sun, it's been revealed that the MP has been invited to speak with detectives leading the investigation.

As part of the quizzing, Ms Rayner is thought to have been invited to attend a police station on a voluntarily basis and interviewed under caution.

More specifically, the claims against the MP concern a breach of electoral law, as well as questions raised by the Conservatives as to whether the MP paid capital gains tax which could have led to a saving of up to £3,500.

Read more: 'Traitors never sleep well': Deputy foreign sec hits out at Natalie Elphicke as Labour backs her over 'lobbying' claims

Read more: Jess Phillips calls for independent investigation into Natalie Elphicke lobbying claims

Her political opponents also questioned whether she falsely received single-occupancy council tax discount.

Tory MPs raised questions about the Labour MP's finances in relation to the Stockport property, the latest attempt to land a political blow ahead of the next general election.

Greater Manchester Police announced last month that the force had launched an investigation into the historic housing situation.

It comes as the Labour MP attempted to quell speculation, asking the Conservatives to stop "obsessing" about her living arrangements and instead focus on banning no-fault evictions.

It follows recent comments made by the Labour MP labelling Rishi Sunak a 'pint-sized loser' during feisty exchange during PMQs