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Labour has come under fire after it emerged the party paid for a specialist tax lawyer to advise former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner on her personal finances, a decision critics have called a “shameful use of party resources.” Reports suggest the bill, for advice from leading barrister Jonathan Peacock KC, could have run into tens of thousands of pounds.
Rayner resigned last year after Sir Keir Starmer’s ethics adviser concluded she had breached the ministerial code over underpayment of stamp duty on a flat in Hove. Before her resignation, Labour reportedly commissioned Peacock to review whether the £700,000 property had been correctly taxed.
The barrister is said to have spent up to five days examining her financial position and providing preliminary and final legal advice. The revelation that Labour’s central office covered the cost has sparked criticism from senior party figures, who questioned the justification for such expenditure while the party faced fundraising challenges and a £3.8m deficit following the last general election.
Dan Neidle, a tax expert, told the Times that the bill could easily have run to tens of thousands of pounds.
He said: “If there was something more complex going on, then it could be a lot more. A whole morning’s consultation with complex papers could be £20,000. Sometimes more.”
A source told the Times: “I’m amazed party money was spent trying to protect Angela, given her hefty salary.
“We need to understand why the party thought it a good idea to spend membership fees and trade union donations on expensive lawyers, when this had nothing to do with Angela’s role as deputy leader.”
Rayner is due to appear at this year’s Propertymark One conference on 12 June at ExCeL London, with reports suggesting the former housing secretary will receive a five-figure speaking fee.
The booking has sparked criticism from some agents, including comments posted on London Wallet.
However, Propertymark has defended the invitation while acknowledging it has divided opinion within the sector.
Chief executive Nathan Emerson said the organisation believes it is important for agents to hear directly from senior politicians responsible for housing policy.
Following further reaction from parts of the industry, Emerson released a video message earlier this month urging members to support the event, saying feedback indicates many agents want the chance to question political decision-makers.
During her time in government, Rayner oversaw major reforms affecting the private rented sector, including the Renters’ Rights Act and the Planning and Infrastructure Act, and set a target to deliver 1.5 million new homes in England during the current parliament. Her appearance comes as housing reform and regulation remain key issues for property professionals.
Propertymark CEO makes fresh plea for agents to back Angela Rayner as speaker
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