Angela Rayner, the UK’s former deputy prime minister, says she has been cleared by HMRC over her tax affairs, according to multiple reports. The developments come as political uncertainty continues around Labour’s leadership under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While reports note that Rayner’s position on potential leadership activity is not ruled out, they also say she does not intend to automatically force a leadership contest. The Evening Standard reports Rayner does not rule out running in any Labour leadership race, but says she would not “trigger” a contest. The Financial Times similarly frames the clearance as opening a potential path for Rayner to consider entering any leadership challenge. Belfast Telegraph also references the HMRC clearance, highlighting the timing alongside questions about Starmer’s future. Across the coverage, the central points are Rayner’s statement that HMRC has cleared her tax matters and her cautious posture on leadership competition, including an apparent reluctance to instigate a contest without broader conditions being met.