"The United Kingdom's Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has stepped down after a probe found she violated the ministerial code for underpaying tax on her flat, prompting a broader cabinet reshuffle and throwing the Labour Party deeper into turmoil. In a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, Rayner conceded she did not meet the highest standards and would resign from her roles as housing minister and deputy leader of Labour."
"Starmer replied that he was very sad to lose her from government, but added: You will remain a major figure in our party. The resignation of Rayner who was popular with working-class voters and a skilful mediator between Labour's left and centrist wings is a major blow to Starmer, whose government has endured a series of crises since taking power in July 2024 and now trails hard-right firebrand Nigel Farage's Reform UK party in national polls."
Angela Rayner resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and housing minister after a probe found she violated the ministerial code by underpaying tax on her flat. Rayner admitted failing to seek specialist tax advice, said she took full responsibility, and conceded she did not meet the highest standards. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was sad to lose her but that she would remain a major party figure. Rayner's departure removes a key link to working-class voters and a mediator between Labour's left and centrist wings, at a time when the government faces multiple crises and trails Reform UK in national polls. Other ministers, including the House of Commons leader and Scotland secretary, were reported to have been replaced.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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