ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE’S MP Angela Rayner will not be investigated further by police about her tax affairs.
The deputy leader of the Labour Party found herself at the centre of a probe after a row involving the sale of her house in Stockport in 2015.
She had faced questions over whether she owed tax and had registered to pay council tax at the right address.
Ms Rayner promised to step down if she was found to have committed a criminal offence, but Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will not take things further.
Stockport Council also said, ‘no further action will be taken’ after having ‘reviewed and responded to all correspondence related to this matter.’
It is also thought His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will not take action either as council tax and personal tax do not come under the force’s jurisdiction.
GMP shared its findings with both bodies as in a statement, it said: “Following allegations about Angela Rayner MP, Greater Manchester Police has completed a thorough, carefully considered and proportionate investigation.
“We have concluded that no further police action will be taken.
“The investigation originated from complaints made by Mr James Daly MP directly to GMP.
“Subsequent further contact with GMP by members of the public, and claims made by individuals featured in media reporting, indicated a strong public interest in the need for allegations to be investigated.
“Matters involving council tax and personal tax do not fall into the jurisdiction of policing.
“GMP has liaised with Stockport Council and information about our investigation has been shared with them.
“Details of our investigation have also been shared with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).”
Stockport Council added: “Stockport Council has reviewed and responded to all correspondence relating to this matter, including information received from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) who have concluded that no further police action will be taken.
“We have also concluded that no further action will be taken on behalf of the council.”
A Labour Party spokesperson said the police statement ‘draws a line under the matter’ and Ms Rayner had cooperated with the police throughout.
And Ms Rayner said: “I welcome the conclusion of the police investigation, and confirmation that no further action will be taken.
“We have seen the Conservative Party use this playbook before – reporting political opponents to the police during election campaigns to distract from their dire record.
“The public have had enough of these desperate tactics from a Tory government with nothing else to say after 14 years of failure.
“I am grateful to all those who have stood by and supported me and my family.
“My focus now is squarely on securing the change Britain needs, with the election of a Labour government.”