Why Angela Rayner Is Running Out Of Road As Judgement Day Looms

Angela Rayner's political future is now is serious doubt.Angela Rayner’s hopes of clinging on to her job are evaporating as the government’s sleaze watchdog prepares to deliver his verdict on whether she broke the ministerial code.Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent adviser on ministerial standards, is expected to publish the results of his investigation into the deputy prime minister on Friday.She is under intense pressure after admitting she did not pay enough stamp duty when buying an £800,000 flat near Brighton.Rayner – who is also the housing secretary – blamed the legal advice she had received when designating the property as her primary residence, meaning she did not have to pay the higher rate of stamp duty slapped on second homes.But the company concerned, conveyancing firm, Verrico and Associates, has now said its lawyers “never” gave Rayner any tax advice and were being made “scapegoats”.Managing director Joanna Verrico said: “We’re not qualified to give advice on trust and tax matters and we advise clients to seek expert advice on these.”The deputy PM admitted on Wednesday that after examining the details of the case, a senior barrister had advised her that she had paid tens of thousands of pounds less stamp duty than she should have.If Sir Laurie finds that Rayner has broken the ministerial code, Keir Starmer will have to decide whether or not to sack her.A Labour MP said: “Keir would probably rather have Angie still in his cabinet and wounded, rather than on the backbenches and out for revenge.”In an excruciating interview on Thursday, the prime minister repeatedly refused to say whether his deputy will lose her job if she has broken the rules.He said: “There’s a clear procedure. I strengthened that procedure. It is now taking place. I am expecting a result pretty quickly.“I do want it to be comprehensive, as you’d expect. And then of course I will act on whatever the report is that’s put in front of me. HuffPost UK understands that senior figures inside Downing Street believe Rayner’s position is now untenable.One senior Labour source said: “There are plenty in No.10 who would happily get rid of her, but there are others who think it’s better to have her inside the tent pissing out than the other way round.”Related...Keir Starmer Condemns 'Appalling' Attack On Angela Rayner's HomeWhy Angela Rayner's Political Survival Now Rests In The Hands Of 1 ManAngela Rayner Has Admitted She Didn't Pay Enough Tax. Here's Why This Is Such A Big Deal

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Why Angela Rayner Is Running Out Of Road As Judgement Day Looms

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