Rayner’s Stamp Duty Saga, A Cabinet Shake-Up and a Reform Conference 01-07/09/25

This week in UK Politics...

This week has been a turbulent one in the world of politics.

We began with the end of the parliamentary recess and what has been described as “phase two” of this Labour government's work. The week was intended to showcase change — and it certainly did, but not the change they seemed to be hoping for, with a major cabinet reshuffle. One minister resigned, two were sacked, and many more were moved about.

Angela Rayner’s Resignation

The biggest development was Angela Rayner’s resignation. As Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Labour leader, and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, her departure left three senior roles for the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, to fill which was a big task.

Rayner faced scrutiny this week following reports — led primarily by right-leaning newspapers — into her housing and financial arrangements. At the centre of the issue was a property in Ashton-under-Lyne that she previously co-owned with her ex-husband and later sold to a trust set up for her disabled son. Questions were raised about whether stamp duty had been correctly paid for her new flat in Hove.

Rayner herself lifted a court injunction to allow the press to report on her private circumstances, and referred herself to the Adviser of Ministerial Standards citing a desire to be fully transparent. After an investigation, the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards, Sir Laurie Magnus, concluded that Rayner should have made more thorough checks and sought more specialist tax advice. Although the case was complex and tied to personal family matters, the finding raised questions about her judgment as Housing Secretary. But it did state that he believed that she had acted with integrity and was fully co-operative during the investigation. Following this it was evident that she was going to have to resign and she did on Friday.

The Cabinet Reshuffle

Her resignation triggered one of the largest Cabinet reshuffles of recent years. Among the headline changes:

• Shabana Mahmood shifting from Justice Secretary to become the new Home Secretary

• Yvette Cooper moving from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary

• Pat McFadden taking charge of the new combined DWP/DFE Ministry (previously Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)

• David Lammy stepping into the role of Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary (after serving as Foreign Secretary)

• Steve Reed moving from Environment to Housing Secretary

• Peter Kyle transferring from Science, Innovation and Technology to Business Secretary

There were also departures, including Lucy Powell (Leader of the House of Commons) and Ian Murray (Scotland Secretary), alongside Angela Rayner herself.

This reshuffle also made history: for the first time, the three most senior cabinet posts below the Prime Minister are all held by women which is a historic win for Women in Politics.

Reform Party Conference

Meanwhile, in Birmingham, the Reform Party held its conference on Friday. Its leader, Nigel Farage, brought his speech forward by three hours, seeking to capture attention during a news cycle dominated by Labour’s reshuffle. He stated that the government was “in crisis” and “not fit to govern,” and he also criticized Rayner over the underpayment of stamp duty on her Hove property while she was Housing Secretary.

When questioned by Laura Kuenssberg (BBC's former Political editor) about his own tax and business affairs, Farage disputed the claims swiftly. This  prompted observers to comment on consistency in his public statements about being open, honest and transparent, though Farage maintained his position.

Some critics pointed out that Reform has limited governing experience and questioned how its policies would be implemented. When interviewed by Kuenssberg, Farage acknowledged the party lacked detailed governing plans. Which Critics noted was a significant blow to Reform UK that raises questions about the party’s readiness to govern. But Supporters may view this as honest.

Final Thoughts

So in one week, we’ve seen a senior resignation, a historic reshuffle, and a rival party’s conference - all signs of a fast-changing political landscape. It looks like we are in for a busy Autumn this year.

As always, let us know what you think. Do you agree with our take, or do you see things differently? Your feedback is important as we continue to grow this blog.

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Written By Gruffydd Morris,

Chief Political Editor

Young & Political

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