Tories slammed for 'point scoring' over outrage at Angela Rayner buying flat

Tories have been accused of "political point scoring" after Angela Rayner came under attack for buying a flat.

On Saturday evening it was reported the Deputy PM had bought the property in Hove for around £700,000. Her near neighbours include DJ Fatboy Slim and Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, it is reported.

Ms Rayner already owns an address in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, and is entitled to use a flat in Admiralty House in Westminster. But this is linked to her Government role, and she would have to leave if she left.

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Former Conservative leadership contender James Cleverly went on the attack, accusing the Labour frontbencher - who is also Housing Secretary - of "dodging" questions about council tax. He was accused of manufacturing outrage for political gain.

Labour backbencher Catherine Atkinson insisted to GB News that Ms Rayner's decision to buy a seaside home is "not really relevant" and added: "I think when accusations are made for political point scoring, I'm not sure it takes us very far."

A Labour source said: “James Cleverly has some brass neck. Unlike him, Angela has never been a landlord or owned a property in London.

"The second homes premium was introduced by the Tory Government while James Cleverly was Home Secretary, and he supported it at every stage. Angela takes her council tax obligations seriously and she meets them in full.”

A source close to the Deputy PM said: “Angela’s work means she’s often had to be in and around London for over a decade now, but had always rented a flat for that purpose.” The Mirror understands Ms Rayner's primary residence is in her constituency, where she pays council tax in full.

She is liable for a second home premium on the purchased home on the south coast, which she also pays in full. Since April 1, local authorities in England can charge up to 200% of the normal bill for second homes.

A neighbour told theDaily Mail that the Deputy PM "appears to be using it as a holiday home for short breaks". Council tax for Admiralty House in Westminster is administered by the Cabinet Office and Westminster Council - as it was when the Tories were in power.

According to the Daily Mail, which reported on the house purchase at the weekend, the Deputy PM would pay a basic £2,455 council tax bill for two people on the Hove flat. For single occupancy it would cost £1,841 - doubling if it is classed as a second home.

Mr Cleverly moaned: "Time and again she's been asked to declare exactly what properties she owns and where she pays council tax, and time and again she's dodged those questions.

'We've done everything possible to get answers, but she still refuses to come clean."

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