Labour's local election launch overshadowed by Rayner row

SIR Keir Starmer faced more awkward questions over the Angela Rayner tax row yesterday as Labour kicked off its local election campaign.

- Christian Calgie

The party leader was joined by Ms Rayner as they made their pitch to the country from Dudley in the West Midlands. They shared an awkward embrace and kiss on the cheek.

It comes as Greater Manchester Police said it was reassessing its decision not to investigate allegations that Ms Rayner gave false information on official documents.

Labour's deputy leader has come under the spotlight in recent weeks over the 2015 sale of a former council house she owned in Stockport. She has been accused of avoiding capital gains tax which she denies.

Ms Rayner has also faced scrutiny over claims that in 2010 she may have lived mainly at her then husband's address, despite registering to vote under her own - which could be a breach of electoral rules.