DISGRACED Angela Rayner was accused of “outrageous” hypocrisy after pocketing a £17,000 severance payment.
The former Deputy PM quietly took the payment ahead of new rules coming into force on Monday, preventing ex-ministers found guilty of a “serious breach” of the ministerial code from receiving such payouts.
Ms Rayner herself had championed the crackdown while in opposition.
Yet, after being found by Sir Keir Starmer’s ethics chief to have broken the ministerial code, she still helped herself to the cash.
Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly yesterday blasted the move as “outrageous.”
The payout should cover any penalty Ms Rayner faces from the taxman for failing to pay the correct stamp duty on her plush new Brighton flat.
READ MORE ON ANGELA RAYNER
Mr Cleverly said: “It’s outrageous Angela Rayner has been rewarded for dodging tax.
“Ordinary people’s tax money has been funnelled straight into her pocket.
“As always with Labour, it’s one rule for them, and another for everyone else.”
A spokesman for Ms Rayner responded: “There is a world of difference between making an honest mistake and a severe breach of the ministerial code.
“As the independent ethics adviser’s investigation concluded, Angela acted with integrity and an exemplary commitment to public service.”
