'INSULT' NOT TO SACK RAYNER

Farmers furious at Deputy PM as even her own lawyers dispute tax claim

-  Lotti O'Brien

FARMERS have declared it will be an "insult" if Angela Rayner is not fired over her tax scandal.

They hit out at the Deputy Prime Minister who blamed incorrect "advice from lawyers" for not paying £40,000 of stamp duty when she bought an £800,000 East Sussex flat.

But the property lawyers Ms Rayner used to buy the second home in Hove last night denied giving her tax advice and claimed that they had been made "scapegoats".

Family firm Verrico and Associates said the duty paid was "based on the figures and the information provided by Ms Rayner". Joanna Verrico, managing director of the conveyancers in Herne Bay, Kent, stressed: “We did not and never have given tax or trust advice.”

The furore comes ahead of the start of Labour’s family farm tax with its 20% inheritance levy on agricultural property above a £1million threshold which is being opposed by the Express crusade Save Britain’s Family Farms.

Outraged Clarkson’s Farm star Jeremy Clarkson said: “Labourites tell us that Angela Rayner was only trying to look after her child which they quite rightly say is understandable. But when a farmer tries to look after his children they say he’s a tax dodger.”

Third-generation farmer Ben Aveling told the Express: “You couldn't write it! They’re accusing us ‘rich’ farmers of being tax dodgers when it’s the farmers who are struggling. It’s an insult.”