'A freeloader and hypocrite'...fury at Rayner's £40k flat tax saving

STORM OVER DEPUTY PM'S THREE HOMES

- By Martyn Brown Political Editor

ANGELA Rayner has been branded a “hypocrite and freeloader” after being accused of dodging paying £40,000 in stamp duty on her new seaside flat.

The Deputy Prime Minister is understood to have removed her name from the deeds of her house in Greater Manchester a few weeks before buying the £800,000 property on the south coast.

The changes, which are legal, mean that Ms Rayner has avoided forking out £70,000 in stamp duty, which would have been applicable if the flat in Hove, East Sussex, was her second home.

Instead, she is thought to have paid £30,000 instead, saving £40,000 in the process.

Last night, the Tories referred Angela Rayner to Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister’s independent adviser on ministers’ interests, saying her behaviour had been “unethical” over her housing.

Ms Rayner, who is also the Housing Secretary, has long been a vocal advocate for affordable houses — promising to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years.

She also helped to shape Labour's extra 100% council tax levy on second homes introduced in April.