The Conservative Party has urged the independent adviser on ministerial interests to conduct an ethics review into Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s tax arrangements. The move follows reports that she saved tens of thousands of pounds in stamp duty on a £800,000 second home in Hove after removing her name from the deed of a family property in Greater Manchester. It was also alleged that she previously indicated the Greater Manchester property remained her primary residence, which could have reduced council tax on her central London residence at Admiralty House.

Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake described the arrangements as inappropriate tax avoidance for a minister expected to uphold higher standards and said a formal probe should be pursued. He also noted that the residency statements appeared contradictory while emphasising that no laws had been broken.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said Ms Rayner has followed guidance on the allocation of her official residence at all times. A statement from her team asserted she paid the duty owed on the Hove purchase in line with requirements. It is also noted that she no longer owns a stake in the Greater Manchester home following a divorce, though reports state she continues to regard the property as her primary residence because her children live there.