The Latest Breaking News from Hove

The deputy PM admits she underpaid up to £40,000 in stamp duty on second home but denies she dodged tax, as PM backs her

Key questions answered after deputy PM acknowledges failing to pay enough stamp duty on £800,000 property

The Prime Minister said it was a ‘mistake’ for people to brief against or talk down Ms Rayner.

The Deputy Prime Minister represents a constituency in Greater Manchester and has a grace and favour flat in Westminster.

Education secretary defends her cabinet colleague against claims she avoided stamp duty when buying property

The Education Secretary said the Deputy Prime Minister has insisted she followed the rules over her £800,000 purchase in Hove.

The Telegraph newspaper claimed Ms Rayner, who is also the Housing Secretary, paid £30,000 instead of £70,000 in stamp duty on a second home.

On the bright side, it’s not as bad as France, where the government may have to be bailed out by the IMF. There the tumbrils are rolling and the French Left is planning what looks like a general strike, with the fun slogan, “Bloquons tout” or ‘block everything’. Emmanuel Macron…

Angela Rayner is facing mounting criticism over her purchase of a second home in Hove – but has she actually done anything wrong?