Angela Rayner, Labour’s MP for Ashton-under-Lyne and a former deputy prime minister, says HMRC has cleared her over tax affairs connected to stamp duty. Multiple outlets report that the tax authority’s investigation concluded there was no deliberate wrongdoing. Rayner previously admitted underpaying stamp duty on an apartment purchase and later stepped down from her deputy prime minister role in September 2025, as the tax issue progressed. After HMRC’s conclusion, Rayner says she has been cleared and that the matter did not involve tax avoidance. Reports also note that the clearance is affecting her political position, with some coverage framing it as removing an obstacle to potential moves within Labour. While some outlets describe leadership speculation and her refusal to rule out a leadership bid, the reporting remains centered on the outcome of HMRC’s inquiry and Rayner’s statement that she is not found to have acted deliberately. Sources also mention that her legal representatives pushed for a decision in the case, shortly before HMRC’s conclusion.