Deputy PM Rayner's Hove flat raises questions on residency and tax

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner bought a seaside flat in Hove earlier this year while continuing to hold a house in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency and a grace-and-favour apartment in central London, prompting questions from opposition politicians and media scrutiny over her tax and residency arrangements. The coastal property, described in reports as a three-bedroom apartment, was purchased in May and given various valuations in coverage, most commonly about 800,000, although some reports put the price between about 700,000 and 947,000.

Critics say the purchase raises questions because Ms Rayner, who as housing secretary leads policy on issues including measures to curb second-home ownership, has not publicly clarified which of her properties she treats as her main residence for tax purposes. Opposition figures accused her of failing to be transparent and of apparent hypocrisy while ministers pursue reforms that can increase charges on second homes. Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly said Ms Rayner had repeatedly dodged questions about where she pays council tax and called for clearer answers.

Several reports also said Ms Rayner altered ownership paperwork on her...