Rayner defended in flat row

A CABINET minister has defended Angela Rayner's purchase of an £800,000 property on the south coast - insisting 'if she wants to buy a flat, she can buy a flat'.

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The Ashton-under-Lyne MP and deputy prime minister has been criticised over her purchase of a luxury flat in Hove, East Sussex.

Stockport-born Ms Rayner, who also serves as housing secretary, was criticised for 'hypocrisy' given the purchase has come at a time councils have been given power to hike tax on second homes.

The flat had been described as a 'third home' for Ms Rayner.

Reports claim her main residence is her home in the Ashton-under-Lyne constituency.