The former deputy prime minister is said to be hoping to oust Keir Starmer as Labour leader.
Sky News presenter Leah Boleto delivered Angela Rayner breaking news (Image: Sky News)
Sky News halted for a breaking update about Angela Rayner as it was confirmed she has been cleared of any wrongdoing by HMRC. She resigned as deputy prime minister and housing secretary in September last year when it was revealed she failed to pay enough tax on her £800,000 flat in Hove.
Presenter Leah Boleto announced: “Some breaking news to bring you now. It’s been reported in The Guardian newspaper that Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs. Sky News understands that this can now pave the way for a potential leadership bid as Keir Starmer‘s grip on power unravels. Of course, the former deputy prime minister has settled their reporting at 40,000 pounds in unpaid stamp duty after initially paying the lower rates. We’ll bring you more on this story throughout the day on Sky News. A big day ahead in Westminster,” she concluded.
This updates comes as Sir Keir Starmer continues to face questions over his future, with Rayner and Health Secretary Wes Streeting among the high profile Labour figures reportedly considering challenging his premiership.
Rayner did not rule out running in any leadership race but said she would not “trigger” a contest. She told The Guardian: “I’ll play my part in doing everything we possibly can to deliver the change, because it’s not a personal ambition, I know the difference it makes.
Sky News halted for a breaking Angela Rayner update (Image: Getty)
If Streeting plans to mounts a challenge as expected he will need the support of 81 Labour MPs to begin a formal contest.
While some 87 MPs have called for Sir Keir’s resignation, they are not united behind a single replacement candidate.
The Prime Minister, who led his party into historic losses in last week’s local elections, is expected to fight any leadership challenge and spent Wednesday afternoon meeting ministers and MPs in a bid to avert a coup.
Alongside Ms Rayner and Mr Streeting, other figures regarded as potential challengers include former party leader Ed Miliband, armed forces minister Al Carns and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.