Labour must act quickly to regain the public's trust

In his somewhat emotional letter to Angela Rayner - handwritten, in an unusual gesture of comradeship - Sir Keir Starmer expressed his "real sadness" at her departure from his administration.

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He is not alone in that. It is indeed something like a tragedy that Ms Rayner's career has come to an end in such a way. In truth, however, and making all allowances for her entirely understandable wish to protect her privacy and her family, she has to take much of the responsibility for what befell her and the government.

The independent adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus, conducted a balanced and compassionate review of this affair, and recognised Ms Rayner has “acted with integrity and with a dedicated and exemplary commitment to public service”. Crucially, however, he also finds that Ms Rayner, for whatever reason, failed to follow the suggestion and recommendation of two firms of solicitors to obtain suitable expert advice on the taxation liabilities involved in the purchase of the property in Hove.

This lapse still needs to be explained by Ms Rayner. But, in any case, it leaves her with no defence against the allegation that she fell below the necessary standards required for someone in such a role - especially as housing secretary. To her credit, Ms Rayner accepts this, and “deeply regrets” her conduct. She clearly breached the ministerial code and, in short, had to go.