Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s seafront flat in Hove has been vandalised overnight, with offensive graffiti daubed across its walls, hoardings and pavement.
The £800,000 property was sprayed with multiple messages, including: “Tax Evader Rayner!”, “Tax Evasion”, “Rayner Sold British Girls 4 Votes” and “Bitch.” Contractors were seen removing some of the graffiti this morning.
The attack comes as Ms Rayner faces mounting scrutiny over stamp duty on the property. She admitted this week that she underpaid tax after receiving incorrect legal advice, meaning she saved around £40,000 at the time of purchase. She has pledged to repay what is owed and referred herself to the Prime Minister’s independent adviser on ministerial standards.
Local residents condemned the vandalism. One neighbour said: “It’s shocking. What a disgraceful thing to do. I hope the police catch them. I’m sure there’s CCTV nearby.” Another said: “It raises fresh questions about MPs’ safety. Angela Rayner was very pleasant when I saw her locally. I’m astonished.”
A spokesperson for Ms Rayner said: “This vandalism to residents’ homes is totally unjustifiable and beyond the pale. Neither Angela nor her neighbours deserve to be subjected to harassment and intimidation. It will rightly be a matter for the police to take action as they deem appropriate.”
The incident follows Ms Rayner’s emotional interview with Sky News, in which she admitted she had considered resigning over the tax issue. She said she “deeply regrets” the error and described it as “devastating” after relying on legal advice.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed “full confidence” in Ms Rayner and offered public backing.
Police inquiries into the vandalism are ongoing.