Sean Neary

EXCL: Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs, paving the way for a potential leadership bid if Keir Starmer’s grip on power unravels. The former DPM has settled £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty, but has not paid any penalty as a result of the investigation. HMRC was also satisfied there was no tax avoidance. Rayner tells me she was “bruised” by whole experience because of intrusion into her disabled son’s personal life, but also because it had appeared as though she was “in it for myself” rather than on the side of ordinary people. Rayner indicated she may run in event of a contest as she would “play my part” and that she understood why Labour MPs were so upset following last week’s election crushing. She said Starmer should “reflect on” stepping aside.

Nothing quite says “man of the people” than a crypto billionaire pal wiring 5 MILLION QUID through the internet as a thank you for grafting? Is it grifting or grafting is the question being put in this interview? 🤷🏼‍♂️

I welcome HMRC’s conclusion, which has cleared me of any wrongdoing. I have been exonerated by HMRC of the accusation that I deliberately sought to avoid tax. When purchasing a home of my own with a mortgage, I did not own any other property and had no personal financial interest in the court-instructed trust set up to manage my son’s financial award. I was advised by experts that I should pay stamp duty at the standard rate. I set out to pay the correct amount of tax. I took reasonable care and acted in good faith, based on the expert advice I received, and HMRC has accepted this. I have always sought to act with integrity, and I believe politicians should be held to high standards - that is why I resigned from government and cooperated fully with HMRC.  I wanted to ensure that I paid every penny that I owed, and have done so. I am relieved that my family can now move on - and that I can get on with my job.

My security team just found this journalist from The Guardian at my property. This is exactly why I need security. Completely unacceptable.

My security team just found this journalist from The Guardian at my property. This is exactly why I need security. Completely unacceptable.

Nigel Farage will rightly receive huge praise in the coming days for leading Reform to a devastating victory over Labour, the Conservatives and the Greens. But enormous credit also has to go to Zia Yusuf. His vision, organisation and belief helped turn Reform from a protest movement into a serious political force. Without him, this simply does not happen. Seeing so many people unite behind Reform and stand up to Keir Starmer makes me genuinely optimistic about the future of the UK.