Minister for homelessness quits over rent hike claims

HOMELESSNESS minister Rushanara Ali has resigned from the Government after reports she hiked rent on a property by hundreds of pounds weeks after the previous tenants' contract ended.

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In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour MP insisted she had at all times followed all legal requirements and taken her responsibilities seriously.

But she added: "It is clear that continuing in my role will be a distraction from the ambitious work of the Government. I have therefore decided to resign from my ministerial position."

The Prime Minister thanked Ms Ali for her work at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. He said: "I know you will continue to support the Government from the back benches and represent the best interests of your constituents."