Sir Keir Starmer rules out need for investigation into Reeves’ rental rule break
An investigation into Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ admission that she fell foul of local housing rules when renting out her family home is “not necessary”, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
The Prime Minister gave his backing to Ms Reeves after consulting his independent ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus.
The Chancellor admitted to Sir Keir she did not obtain the required “selective” rental licence for her south London home when she moved into No 11 Downing Street after Labour won the election.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, she “sincerely” apologised for her “inadvertent error” of not obtaining the licence, which was revealed by the Daily Mail.
Rent
An exchange of letters between the PM and Ms Reeves revealed they had met to discuss the matter on Wednesday evening, after it came to light.
Ms Reeves told the Prime Minister that “regrettably” she and her family were not aware a licence was needed in their area of the Southwark borough of London.
Southwark Council requires people renting out their properties in certain areas to get one of the licences in advance.
Not doing so can lead to a prosecution or a fine.
The Chancellor is understood to have relied upon the advice of a letting agent, which said it would advise if a licence was needed.
‘Error’
Ms Reeves told Sir Keir: “This was an inadvertent mistake. As soon as it was brought to my attention, we took immediate action and have applied for the licence.”
She added: “I sincerely apologise for this error and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.”
In his reply, the Prime Minister said he had consulted his independent adviser Sir Laurie, adding: “He has advised me that in relation to your inadvertent failure to secure the appropriate licence for your rental property – and in light of your prompt action to rectify the position, including your apology – further investigation is not necessary.
“The Ministerial Code makes clear that in certain circumstances, an apology is a sufficient resolution. It is important that all ministers are able to acknowledge where they consider themselves to have fallen below the standards expected of them.
“I am satisfied that this matter can be drawn to a close following your apology.”
The Prime Minister said it was “regrettable that the appropriate licence was not sought sooner” but said he believed the Chancellor was “treating this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves”.
Sir Keir’s decision to back Ms Reeves comes less than a month until the Budget, in which she is expected to have to make difficult fiscal decisions.
It also follows on the heels of several high-profile exits from Government as a result of scandals.
Among these was Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister and housing secretary, who resigned following a row about her tax affairs.
Lord Mandelson was also sacked as ambassador to Washington after details of his relationship with the dead paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch had earlier called on the Prime Minister to “launch a full investigation” into Ms Reeves’ error.
She added: “He once said ‘lawmakers can’t be lawbreakers’.
“If, as it appears, the Chancellor has broken the law, then he will have to show he has the backbone to act.”
Daisy Cooper, Lib Dem deputy leader, said: “The Chancellor is meant to be delivering growth but the only thing she appears to be growing is the Government’s list of scandals.
“Just weeks before the Budget, this risks seriously undermining confidence in this Government and its ability to focus on the urgent tasks at hand.”
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I don’t see the scandal going away any time soon though. Once the canines smell blood, they don’t let go of their prey that easily.
This is going to backfire on the Cons. First, how many of the shadow front bench are also unregistered. Second, most of England is now asking why they don’t have a mandatory registration so they’ve accelerated the move towards greater regulation that they hate. And third, being let down by a letting agent who should’ve handled this is only going to generate sympathy from the masses.
Much as I’ve found Rachel to be an easy and justified target on other matters, I find this issue with letting of property is a minor fault which might have been down to the letting agents’ proposition on taking the business. I’m far more concerned about her role as Chancellor and her evident lack of concern about dumping her burden on low and middle earners while the seriously well heeled skip off carrying less than their fair share.
It’s another example of professionals failing to take responsibility. If a doctor prescribed the wrong pills there’d be hell to pay and no-one would blame the patient. But if a solicitor, accountant or property agent messes up somehow it’s all the fault of the paying customer.
Funny how a party that let Johnson run rough shod and ethics advisers resigned because he was so bad and even BadEnoch never said anything, now she finds a voice?
Hows farages house going? Lets see who on the Cons bench has some dealing in property that need to shine a light.
With the Rachel Reeves renting out parts of her property empire without the required licences in England it might also be worth checking all the Labour MSs and MPs here in Wales. Those who have second and third properties. Need to be registered with Rent Smart Wales. Also, where applicable subject to council tax premium.