Housing minister quits after 'evicting tenants'

The homelessness minister, Rushanara Ali, resigned last night after reports emerged that she had evicted tenants from her east London property before increasing the rent by almost £700 a month.

- Matthew Weaver Aletha Adu

In a letter to the prime minister, Keir Starmer, the Labour MP insisted she had "at all times" followed "all legal requirements" and taken her responsibilities seriously.

But she added: "It is clear that continuing in my role will be a distraction from the ambitious work of the government. I have therefore decided to resign from my ministerial position."

In response, Starmer thanked Ali for her "diligent work" at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, saying it would have "a lasting impact".

He said: "I know that you will continue to support the government from the backbenches and represent the best interests of constituents in Bethnal Green and Stepney."

Ali's resignation follows reports that four tenants who were renting the house that she owned were given four months' notice in an email last November and told their lease would not be renewed because the property was due to be sold.

After the tenants left the property, which they had rented for £3,300, they said it was seen relisted at nearly £4,000 a month, the i Paper said. It reported the property was relisted for rent after no buyer was found.