Police investigate 'multiple allegations' against Rayner

Police investigating Angela Rayner have suggested there are multiple allegations which may extend beyond her housing arrangements. Greater Manchester Police had previously announced they are investigating the Labour deputy leader over the sale of her council house in Stockport and whether she broke electoral law by giving false information of her address during the 2010s.

- HOLLY EVANS

During an appearance on BBC Radio Manchester, the city’s police chief Stephen Watson said: “All I would say in line with what we’ve put out publicly is there are a number of assertions knocking about, I don’t need to tell people that.

“We on an initial assessment made a determination that it was unlikely we would pursue an investigation. On the provision of further investigation or further information, we have reassessed that decision and we have announced we will launch a formal investigation.

“That is a neutral act, it does not imply that information gives us any hard or fast evidence in which to base anything at this stage. It is simply that we have an allegation, these allegations are all over the news, we are going to get to the bottom of what has happened.”

It comes as The Times reports that police are investigating “tax matters and other issues” in connection with her housing affairs. A source told the newspaper: “It’s very well-resourced, it’s not a single issue. There is a volume of material and a clear public interest to fully investigate.”