British PM Starmer backs finance minister after housing rules breach
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Ms Rachel Reeves admitted she had failed to obtain the required “selective” rental licence for her south London home when she moved into her Downing Street residence.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed his finance minister after she apologised for “an inadvertent mistake” when renting out her family home, in the latest setback for his embattled government.
In a late Oct 29 exchange of letters with Ms Rachel Reeves, Mr Starmer said his independent ethics adviser had recommended “further investigation is not necessary” and he was “satisfied” that the matter could be closed.
In her letter to Mr Starmer, Ms Reeves admitted she had failed to obtain the required “selective” rental licence for her south London home when she moved into her Downing Street residence after Labour won power in July 2024.
“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 wrote, adding “I sincerely apologise for this error”.
Emerging just weeks after Ms Angela Rayner resigned
It follows a string of missteps by Mr Starmer and his ministers as they struggle with immigration and other key policy areas, prompting surging support for Brexit champion Nigel Farage’s hard-right Reform UK party.
Ms Reeves’ rules breach also comes less than a month before she unveils a crucial budget, when she has conceded tax rises and spending cuts are likely amid meagre economic growth, high borrowing and stubborn inflation.
The Telegraph reported on Oct 30 her ministry is considering hiking income tax, in a potentially toxic political move that would breach pre-election promises last year.
Mr Starmer in his correspondence with Ms Reeves said a code governing ministerial behaviour “makes clear that in certain circumstances, an apology is a sufficient resolution”.
“It is regrettable that the appropriate licence was not sought sooner and it is right that you have taken the appropriate steps today to address this,” he added.
However Ms Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the main opposition Conservatives, urged him to “launch a full investigation”, saying if Ms Reeves had broken the law, “he will have to show he has the backbone to act”. AFP
