Angela Rayner is expected to be interviewed under caution by police in the coming weeks over which of her two homes was her main residence.
Greater Manchester Police are understood to have contacted Labour’s deputy leader to arrange an interview at a date and time to be agreed by both. The interview would almost certainly be conducted at a local police station in Manchester and Ms Rayner would be questioned under caution.
Ms Rayner has previously said that she has been looking forward “to sitting down with the appropriate authorities… and draw a line under this matter”, suggesting that she will attend the interview voluntarily, obviating any need to arrest her and the embarrassment that would cause.
A Labour spokesman said: “Angela has been clear that she will cooperate with any investigation. We do not plan to give a running commentary.
“We remain completely confident that Angela has complied with the rules at all times and it’s now appropriate to let the police do their work.”
Greater Manchester Police declined to comment, explaining the force had “no updates to pass on”.
But it is understood that police have written to Ms Rayner’s constituency office in Ashton-under-Lyne to arrange the interview. The police inquiry had been shut down but was reopened after James Daly, the Conservative MP for Bury North, requested its reopening when further information came to light.
The police inquiry centres around a former council house in Stockport which Ms Rayner had bought under Right to Buy prior to becoming an MP and which she then sold in 2015. She had claimed the house was her main residence, thereby legally avoiding a capital gains tax bill of up to £3,500.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
