Rayner's house move broke ministerial code, say Tories

The Conservatives have submitted an official complaint accusing Angela Rayner of allegedly asking civil servants to help her move into a grace-and-favour apartment once used by Winston Churchill.

- KATE DEVLIN

The deputy prime minister reportedly instructed officials to assist with “transporting furniture” and “cleaning the accommodation”, according to the complaint from the Tory MP and shadow minister Paul Holmes. Mr Holmes told The Telegraph, which first reported the complaint, that if correct it would be a “clear breach” of the ministerial code.

“The ministerial code states that ministers are appointed to serve the public and must ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise, between their public duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise,” he said.