Rayner's "Three Pads": Deputy PM Buys Third Home Amid Council Tax Row

In a move that has sparked renewed controversy, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has reportedly purchased a third property: an £800,000 seaside apartment in Hove. The purchase, which has been described as a "holiday home," adds to her existing property portfolio, which includes a £650,000 constituency home near Manchester and a grace-and-favour flat at Admiralty House in central London, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

The new acquisition has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, with the Conservatives and Reform UK calling out what they perceive as hypocrisy. This is particularly pointed given Rayner's recent proposals to impose an extra 100% council tax charge on second homes, a measure intended to address housing affordability issues in popular holiday destinations like Hove.

A History of Housing Scrutiny-This latest development adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of Rayner's housing situation. Last year, she was dubbed "Two Homes Rayner" over claims she was renting out her former right-to-buy council house while living with her then-husband in his property. At the time, she was under investigation for potential violations of council tax rules and misleading electoral authorities. Although no wrongdoing was found, the issue has resurfaced with her new purchase.

According to reports, Ms Rayner has consistently designated her constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne as her "primary residence." This classification allows her to claim back the council tax on her London residence from the taxpayer. Now, with the addition of the Hove property, questions have been raised about how she will designate each of her three homes for council tax purposes.

James Cleverly, the Shadow Housing Secretary, has accused her of "dodging parliamentary questions" about her property affairs. Similarly, Richard Tice of Reform UK labeled her the "Everest of hypocrisy" for building her own "property mountain" while campaigning against a housing shortage.

The new property is a three-bedroom flat where neighbors have reportedly seen her and her partner, Sam Tarry. The council tax for the Hove property, a Band D home, is estimated to be £2,455 for two people or £1,841 for a single occupant. This bill would double if it were to be classed as a second home. The administration of council tax for her grace-and-favour home is handled by the Cabinet Office.