Sir Keir Starmer has hinted on Thursday that he could sack Angela Rayner if an inquiry finds that she has broken ministerial rules by not paying the £40,000 in stamp duty.
He has vowed that he will “act” on the what the independent advisers investigation finds.
During an interview with the BBC Starmer said, “There’s a clear procedure. I strengthened that procedure. It is now taking place. I am expecting a result pretty quickly.
“I do want it to be comprehensive, as you’d expect. And then, of course, I will act on whatever the report is that’s put in front of me.”
He was then asked if he will sack the Deputy Prime Minister, Starmer said, “Angela Rayner has referred herself to the independent adviser.
“My experience is he will be comprehensive in the report that he gives me, it will be quick, and that’s what I’m expecting.
“And so, I want to let that process take its course. I did strengthen that process, so she’s done the right thing, referred to the independent adviser, and now he will do his work and report back to me.”
A Downing Street spokesperson said that Starmer has “full confidence” in Rayner and would not comment on whether the Housing Secretary stay in her post for the rest of this Parliament.
The spokesperson said, “I’m not going to go through the Cabinet and do that.”
Rayner admitted on Wednesday that she has made a “mistake” and she then referred herself to the standards advisor, Sir Laurie Magnus.
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