Angela Rayner plots tax crackdown — despite being forced to resign over stamp duty scandal

Angela Rayner is rolling out a landlord database to help enforce John Healey's property tax rises, despite being forced to resign over underpaying stamp duty when purchasing her flat in Hove.

From next month, landlords will be forced to pay an annual fee of £65 and register their properties with the Government.

The scheme will be rolled out in the West Midlands first before covering the rest of the country.

The new database forms a key part of the new Renters' Rights Act and will demand landlords hand over information about their properties, including the cost of rent and the frequency in which it is paid, licenses and the relevant safety certifications.

Ministers have confirmed the information collected could be shared with HMRC prior to the four per cent rise in income tax on property set to come into effect in April.

Ms Rayner's own scandal saw her underpay stamp duty by £40,000 after initially paying the lower rate when purchasing her £800,000 flat in East Sussex.

After resigning from her role as Deputy Prime Minister in September 2025, HMRC cleared her of "deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness" over her tax affairs.

The Housing Secretary subsequently settled the unpaid stamp duty bill and did not pay any penalty as a result of the investigation.

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY…

Kemi Badenoch slams 'ludicrous' Andy Burnham for allowing oil drilling off the Falklands but NOT in the North Sea

Kemi Badenoch has marked the "ludicrous" decision that Labour have allowed drilling off the Falklands Islands, but not yet in the North Sea.

Andy Burnham told the Commons this afternoon that a decision on the Rosebank oil field in the North Sea is a "quasi-legal decision, and it will be taken in due course".

Mrs Badenoch fumed back, declaring the UK's lawyers were in international court defending drilling off the coasts of the Falklands rather than approving Rosebank.

The Tory leader also noted how former Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, was against the plans.

"Why else did it take the Labour Government two years to approve Jackdaw while the Foreign Secretary [Mr Miliband] was in charge, and now he’s gone, it happened just like that?" she asked.

"That’s the real reason they didn’t do it - the Foreign Secretary instructed Government lawyers not to fight the court case."

Labour approved new gas drilling at the Jackdaw site, also a North Sea project, last month, with Mr Burnham saying he "welcomes" the decision.

Nigel Farage hit with latest blow as senior official steps down

Nigel Farage has been dealt a fresh blow following the resignation of one of his most senior officials.

Tom Waterhouse today announced he would leave his role as General Secretary at Reform UK.

A Reform spokesman said: "Tom Waterhouse has left his role with Reform UK. The party leader has now appointed an interim General Secretary."

Nigel Farage slams Reform politician being banned for speaking about 'replacement of white Britons'

Nigel Farage has hit out at the decision to ban a Reform member of the Senedd from speaking in the Welsh parliament after he raised concerns over the scale of Britain's demographic change.

In the Senedd yesterday, Joe Martin asked Heledd Fychan, the Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport, whether she could give a statement on the "demographic replacement of white British people taking place in the UK".

Reacting to the ban on social media, Mr Farage fumed: "It is ridiculous and outrageous that Reform’s duly elected Member of the Senedd, Joe Martin, has been banned from speaking in the Welsh Parliament.

"Why is it only Reform that's targeted like this?"

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

'The Government is behind a third runway at Heathrow,' says John Healey

Chancellor John Healey has revealed the Government is behind a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Mr Healey is currently addressing the Treasury Committee, where he said: "So the Government is behind a third runway at Heathrow, I’m part of the Government.

"Our experience in recent decades, is it not, is that successful airports are very often an engine for economic growth in the wider area? That’s as true in Manchester as it is true in parts of London and elsewhere.

"In terms of the assessment following the consultation period, that’s not led by the Treasury. That’s led by the Department for Transport, and the Government is working through the responses and the further update information we’ve got from that."

John Healey: Ending the Middle East conflict would be the best economic policy for UK

John Healey has declared ending the conflict in the Middle East "would be the single best economic policy for Britain".

The Chancellor is speaking to the Treasury Committee, where he said: "I went into this Budget process less than four months ago, with really deep concerns about the global economic storms that we faced, which had not been reflected in the OBR’s spring forecast, and now the OBR and the Bank of England are really clear: the conflict in the Middle East, it’s driving rising energy costs, it’s driving debt increase costs, and it’s also weakening economic growth.

"That’s hitting nations worldwide, but it’s hitting us particularly hard in this country. And so, ending the conflict in the Middle East would be the single best economic policy for Britain.

"That’s why diplomacy, pressure on Iran, is a whole of Government drive, including for me as the Chancellor, and with this continuing conflict with Iran, with the crisis in global energy prices, and with the huge upheaval in Government bond markets, I took the view that what Britain needed was a breathing space budget, and so that’s what I delivered."

Treasury taking Budget leak 'seriously' - as John Healey left 'dismayed'

The Treasury is taken a reported Budget leak "seriously", after details of changes to bank taxes appeared in a Bloomberg report before October 28.

This appeared to "certainly" move markets, permanent secretary James Bowler told the Treasury Committee.

He did say the potential leak "doesn’t compare to the situation we had last year" but was "deeply regrettable and frustrating".

Mr Bowler said: "It’s important, I think, that we can assure you and the committee that Budget security more generally has improved."

He added: "It’s certainly the case that it appeared that the markets moved a little bit on the release of that information, hence we’re taking it so seriously.”

Meanwhile, Chancellor John Healey said he has been left "dismayed" at the leak, adding it "could not be more serious, and it could not be more important for me as Chancellor" to find the leak.

Downing Street defends Ed Miliband on Russell Brand interview

Downing Street has defended Ed Miliband on his Russell Brand interview in 2015, following the former comedian's rape conviction last week.

When asked whether he should address his previous contact with Brand, a No10 spokesman said: "The Prime Minister was asked about this on Friday in an interview with the BBC.

"As he said, it’s not always the case that people know everything about people in public life, but what is important is where there is wrongdoing, it is exposed.

"The PM also praised the bravery of the victims, saying credit to the victims, huge credit for the courage it’s taken, but also for the journalists that have exposed this."

And when pressed on whether Andy Burnham had asked for an explanation on the incident, the spokesman said the interview had been a "long time ago".

"Lucy Powell was asked about this on the round yesterday, she told Sky News it was a long time ago, obviously. And had I or Ed Miliband or anybody at the time had any sense at all that this was someone who was a sexual predator, that interview, I’m sure, would not have happened," the spokesman said.

Kemi Badenoch jibed at Mr Miliband in PMQs this afternoon the Government shouldn't "trust his judgement" because he "thought cosying up to Russell Brand would make him Prime Minister".

Mr Miliband previously said he regretted the interview with Brand.

Angela Rayner refuses to admit defeat on 1.5m homes target - despite admitting 'slim chance'

Angela Rayner has refused to admit defeat on Sir Keir Starmer's pledge to build 1.5million new homes by the next General Election.

More than 300,000 homes must be built each year to meet Labour's 2024 manifesto target. However, numbers have barely risen above 200,000 - in fact, 437,000 have been built since Labour assumed power more than two years ago.

Ms Rayner, speaking to the Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee today, recognised the target was "difficult", but insisted: "I’m not giving up on that target, chair, and I refuse to admit defeat on it."

The Housing Secretary noted that housing starts are up 20 per cent on last year. However, housing starts were 72 per cent lower in 2024/2025 compared with 2023/24, according to the Centre for Policy Studies.

Ms Rayner added: "You invite me to concede defeat on the 1.5 million homes target. I refuse to. I am realistic about the challenges we face in meeting it."

She vowed to introduce a "new wave" of homes to "turn the tide" on the ongoing housing crisis.

Ms Rayner did admit there was a "slim chance" of reaching Labour targets in September.

Consultant doctor strikes paused, BMA confirm

The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed the upcoming industrial action by consutlant doctors has been paused.

The doctors had been set to strike on November 25 and 26 disputing pay and working conditions.

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed she had "constructive" talks with the BMA, with the group saying: "We welcome the opportunity to enter formal negotiations with the Government and hope this marks a turning point in a dispute that has gone on for far too long."

They did warn that "patience is not infinite" and, should talks fall through, further strikes will promptly be announced.

Ms Cooper said: "The BMA consultants committee’s decision to call off planned strike action is welcome news for patients and the wider NHS, avoiding disruption to care and allowing NHS staff to focus on delivering services and preparing for a challenging winter.

"I had a constructive discussion with the BMA consultants committee on reforms that could give consultants a stronger voice, greater flexibility and more freedom to innovate, while improving services for patients.

"We are committed to taking that work forward together in the weeks ahead."

PM called out for lack of defence spending amid international threats

Andy Burnham has been called out for the Government's lack of defence spending in the wake of international threats from the likes of Russia and Iran.

The Prime Minister recognises the rapid changes in technology used in warfare in comparison to the Cold War, which is why, he says, the Government are investing in the defence plan.

Sir Julian Lewis says the answer suggests that the threat the UK faces today is similar to that in the Cold War, and he calls on the PM to tell ministers to "stop using the standard line that the Government has done the greatest increase in spending since the end of the Cold War."

Sir Julian says the Government need to look at is the level of spending during the Cold War, which he claims was regularly at between 4.5 and five per cent of GDP.

The PM assures Sir Julian "there is no complacency here". He says the threat is "different and multi-faceted".

Andy Burnham: We will not rejoin EU single market

Andy Burnham says Britain will not rejoin the European single market.

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey calls on the Government to rejoin the EU single market, blaming the Conservatives for having "tanked" the economy and "sent the welfare bill soaring" and "Brexit red tape".

He asks if the PM will do the "single biggest thing to cut welfare bill" by joining the single market.

But Mr Burnham replied: "No, is the answer to that."

He adds: "We are honouring our manifesto, to have deeper ties. There is the prospect of a deal with Europe that could add up to 0.4 per cent to GDP."

The PM is set to meet with EU officials on November 20.

Andy Burnham: Rosebank oil field will be announced in due course

Replying to Kemi Badenoch's question as to when the Rosebank oil field will be announced, Andy Burnham said it is a "quasi-legal decision, and it will be taken in due course".

The Tory leader responds: "He says it's a quasi-judicial decision. It's a political decision."

She also notes the former Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, was opposed to the plans... and draws attention to the former Labour leader's controversial interview with now convicted rapist Russell Brand.

"[Mr Miliband] called Rosebank climate vandalism. But then he also thought cosying up to Russell Brand would make him prime minister. So I don’t think we need to trust his judgement," she said.

Additionally, she mentions the Chancellor included the plans in his Budget - though it has not been approved as of yet.

PM refuses to confirm when spending review will be announced

Kemi Badenoch declares the "Government is adrift" as she slams the lack of future planning and recent Budget.

"Two weeks ago, we had a do-nothing Budget. It pushed all the big decisions - like funding our defence - into the spending review. But we have no idea when that is."

She asks if the PM can confirm the spending review will be announced by the summer.

Andy Burnham says the Budget was the "most popular in years" and pledges to deliver the Milburn Report next week, to put forward a plan that brings the welfare bill down.

Mrs Badenoch notes, very clearly, how the PM did not confirm when the spending will be. Instead, his reply was "waffle," she says.

Prime Minister: We will deliver 10-year plan before Christmas

Kemi Badenoch now stands to commemorate veterans, to whom Briton owe an "enduring debt of gratitude.

She then says the PM entered No10 promising to end 40 years of neoliberism with a 10-year plan. She asks if he needs the Boston Consultancy Group to write it for him.

Andy Burnham says he vows to give the country "the stability [the Conservatives] failed to provide."

He pledges to deliver his plan for Britain before the Christmas recess.

Andy Burnham kicks off PMQs

The Prime Minister has stood up in the Commons to kick off PMQs.

He starts things off by honouring the courage and bravery of those who have served in the Armed Forces, on Armistice Day.

Andy Burnham mentions veterans who are sleeping rough over the winter break. He urges MPs to work with their councils to ask an offer of accomodation is made to veterans over winter - something he wrote to councils about earlier today.

Defence Secretary joins war veterans at the Cenotaph

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has joined military veterans at the Cenotaph for Amristice Day.

The nation fell silent to mark 108 years since the gunshots stopped and the World War I came to an end this morning.

November 11 marks not only a commemoration of those who gave their lives for Britain in World War I, but also the hundreds of thousands in the World War II, along with those who have served and dedicated their lives to their country since.

At the Cenotaph, thousands of commemorative poppies lined the streets.

State pension age would have to rise above 70 under Tory triple lock pledge, minister says

People could have to wait until well into their 70s to receive the state pension if a future Conservative government keeps the triple lock unchanged, Treasury minister Torsten Bell has claimed.

Mr Bell argued that maintaining the policy without reform would require faster increases in the state pension age to manage its cost.

Keeping the triple lock in its current form would cost £50billion a year by 2050, according to government estimates.

The state pension age is under review and is already scheduled to rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046.

Mr Bell criticised the Conservatives' pledge to preserve the triple lock while opposing Labour's planned reforms.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Welsh Reform leader stands by MS slapped with speaking ban for 'discriminatory' comments

The leader of Welsh Reform has stood behind the MS who was hit with a speaking ban for "discriminatory" comments.

Reform’s Joe Martin was given the ban after saying British people "will be a minority in our own country". The Llywydd (presiding officer) Huw Irranca-Davies described the comments as "discriminatory" and "offensive," banning the MS.

Helen Jenner of Reform took to social media on Wednesday, declaring: "Reform stands with Joe Martin."

She added: "Freedom of speech must be protected at all costs."

Mr Martin told the Senedd on Tuesday: "Can I have a statement from your Government on the demographic replacement of white British people taking place in the UK?

"Because the scale of change has been breathtaking.

"Mass immigration and differing birth rates mean that, in just 37 years’ time, in 2063, we will be a minority in our own country.

"That change has already taken place in London, Birmingham, Leicester, Slough, Luton and Manchester, and I don’t want it to happen here.

"Indeed, at every opportunity, the majority of the electorate have wanted less immigration so that their nation can be preserved.

"A nation is not an economic zone, it’s not a hotel, and neither is it a charity. It’s a family, which is capable of absorbing people of all races if done at a sensible rate, but not if it’s replaced altogether."

Ed Miliband: Climate change is one of the greatest national security threats we face

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband will today address the COP31 summit in Turkey.

He will be joined by Prime Minister Andy Burnham later this evening, following his Commons jousting session with Kemi Badenoch.

According to The Guardian, Mr Miliband will tell leaders: “National security is the next frontier of the fight for climate action - the scenarios once of science fiction are now regular occurrences in the daily news.

“We should be clear that climate breakdown is one of the greatest national security threats we face: food security, threats to infrastructure, and population movements [are resulting from the climate crisis].

“Those who seek to stick their heads in the sand on climate are putting our national security at risk.”

The Government were accused of “scaremongering” last month, after they unveiled their Be Ready Campaign, urging people to stock up with food and water supplies to last three days, amid growing concerns over the weather and cyber threats.

MPs pay tribute on Armistice Day 

MPs have began paying tribute on Armistice Day today, ahead of the nationwide two-minute silence at 11am.

Nigel Farage said: "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them."

Bridget Phillipson, Minister for Women and Equalities, accompanied a photo of her outside Parliament with the caption: "Planting a tribute in Parliament on behalf of our community, in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom."

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "Today and forever, we will remember all those who gave their lives for our freedom."

Conservatives: Ongoing international threats are very serious

The Conservatives have said they are "concerned" at the ongoing international threats, which are "very serious".

Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge joined GB News this morning, where he discussed the reports yesterday that an American serviceman was arrested by British counter-terror police on suspicion of spying for Russia.

It is coupled with the United States military yesterday removing aircraft from RAF Mildenhall following a reported threat from Iran.

Mr Cartlidge told GB News he was "concerned" over the news from RAF Mildenhall yesterday, though added: "There is no absolute confirmation why they were moved."

The US Air Force said aircraft "rotate between installations and operating locations for a variety of reasons including training and real world requirements."

But Mr Cartlidge admitted the threats were "very serious," and said: "If anyone thinks there isn't a threat... look at how this is all stacking up."

He continued: "We need to strengthen our position and get behind our Armed Forces."

The MP called for the "galvanisation of our defence industry, for people who serve," and additional funding.

A busy few days for the Prime Minister 

Today kicks off a remarkably busy few days for Andy Burnham, who will travel to Turkey and Dublin before the end of the week.

It begins at midday today, where he will battle it out with Kemi Badenoch in the Commons at PMQs. The Conservatives unveiled their plans to slash the welfare bill by £36.1billion - around 10 per cent - should they get into No10, so you can imagine that will be on the agenda.

Shortly after this, the PM will travel to Turkey for the COP31 event, where he will land this evening. His main event will be a speech tomorrow morning, so in the meantime, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband will be Britain's representative.

Immediately following this engagement, Mr Burnham will fly to Dublin. There, he will attend the European Political Community to meet political leaders.

Labour spends FIFTY times more handing out benefits than getting people back to work

Labour spends around 50 times more on benefits than on getting people back to work in several major British cities, a think tank has found.

In the Liverpool City Region, benefits spending is almost 70 times higher than employment support, at $4,569 per resident compared to just £66.

Researchers argue the welfare system is over-centralised and fails to cater to local needs.

Various job-seeker programmes are divided across Government departments, with local leaders given little oversight or control.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Andy Burnham lauds 'major investment in UK renewables' as new wind farms announced

Andy Burnham has hailed a "major investment in UK renewables" as the government has given the green light to two significant offshore wind developments situated off Scotland's eastern coastline.

The twin projects will together generate sufficient electricity to supply approximately three million British households.

An unprecedented £12billion in private sector funding underpins the two developments, a sum the government considers the largest such commitment to renewables anywhere in the UK.

The National Wealth Fund is additionally contributing £1bn to the endeavour.

Work offshore is set to commence in the opening months of 2027, with both wind farms expected to be fully operational by the end of the decade.

More than 2,400 jobs will be sustained through the construction and operation of the farms, delivering a welcome boost to communities along Scotland's coast and the broader British supply chain.

Andy Burnham described the announcement as "a vote of confidence for building in Britain," hailing what he called a "major investment in UK renewables."

"It is great news for billpayers because every turbine we put up is power under British control, not at the mercy of events on the other side of the world," he added.

"With coastal communities from Scotland to East Anglia powering Britain’s future, the places that host this energy benefit from the jobs and opportunities that it brings."

"Our National Wealth Fund means that public investment is working alongside private capital to build homegrown energy and bring a return for the taxpayer. Because, for me, a clean energy future is one that brings down bills."