Angela Rayner has faced repeated questions from Conservatives about her personal housing affairs (Alamy)
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Greater Manchester Police have dropped an investigation into claims that Labor deputy leader Angela Rayner owed tax on a council estate she had previously sold.
There had been questions about Rayner’s housing arrangements before she was elected MP for Ashton-under-Lyne. Police have now confirmed that their investigation into whether ‘criminal offences have occurred’, which started earlier this month, has been halted.
Stockport Council also said in a statement that it will take “no further action” after it “reviews and responds to all correspondence relating to this matter”.
The allegations include that she may owe taxes on a house she sold in 2015, as well as questions about whether she had registered to vote at the correct address.
Rayner responded that she “welcomed” the conclusion of the police investigation.
“We have seen the Conservative Party use this playbook before – reporting political opponents to the police during election campaigns to distract from their abysmal record,” she said in a statement.
“The public has had enough of these desperate tactics from a Tory government that has nothing left to say after 14 years of failure.
“I am grateful to everyone who has stood by and supported me and my family. My focus now is entirely on securing the change Britain needs with the election of a Labor government.”
The Labor deputy leader had vowed to resign from her position if she was found to have committed a criminal offence, insisting she had followed the rules at all times.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Following allegations about MP Angela Rayner, Greater Manchester Police has completed a thorough, carefully considered and proportionate investigation. We have concluded that no further police action will be taken.
“The investigation arose from complaints made directly to GMP by Mr James Daly MP. Subsequent further contact with GMP by members of the public and allegations from individuals featured in media reporting indicated strong public interest in the need to investigate allegations.
“Issues relating to council tax and personal income tax do not fall under the jurisdiction of the police. GMP has been in contact with Stockport Council and information about our investigation has been shared with them. Details of our research have also been shared with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
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