Angela Rayner Defends Purchasing Council House Amid Hypocrisy Claims
Rayner’s Proud Moment
Angela Rayner has proudly defended her decision to buy her council house in 2007, referring to it as a significant moment in her life amidst accusations of hypocrisy. The Labour Deputy leader expressed that she holds no shame in the matter, despite reports revealing that she made a profit of £48,000 from selling her former residence in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Details of this transaction were disclosed in the biography “Red Queen” by Lord Michael Ashcroft, the former Tory deputy chairman, as reported by the Mail on Sunday.
Rayner Hits Back
In response to these allegations, Rayner addressed the situation by asserting, “It’s clear that Lord Ashcroft and his friends not only take an unhealthy interest in my family but want to kick down at people like me who graft hard in tough circumstances to get on in life. I won’t let them.” She further emphasized on Twitter, “Being able to buy my council house back in 2007 was a proud moment for me. I worked hard, saved, and bought it by the book.”
Labor’s Stance on Housing
The Shadow Levelling Up Secretary stood firm on Labour’s perspective, stating that the party supports the idea of individuals living in council houses having the opportunity to purchase their own homes. This aligns with Labour’s previous consideration of revising the Right to Buy policy, which was initially introduced during Margaret Thatcher’s premiership in the 1980s.
Ms. Rayner elaborated on Labour’s intentions, mentioning, “We’ve said we’ll review the unfair additional market discounts of up to 60% the Tories introduced in 2012, long after I was able to exercise the right to buy (25%) under the old system. That’s not hypocrisy, it’s the right thing to do.” She criticized the Tories for hindering the prospect of a secure home for many individuals during their extensive time in power.
Labour’s Evaluation on Housing Policies
Keir Starmer and Ms. Rayner embarked on a visit to a housing development in the West Midlands, where they scrutinized the Tories’ track record on housing issues. This visit coincided with criticisms towards Rishi Sunak for scrapping national house building targets. Starmer highlighted, “The Conservative Party’s economic decisions contradict the core values entrenched in the British psyche. While pledging to level up, the Tories fail to deliver on their promises, jeopardizing the dreams of many individuals to own a home.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Angela Rayner purchasing her council house in 2007?
Angela Rayner considered buying her council house in 2007 a proud and pivotal moment in her life.
How did Angela Rayner respond to accusations of hypocrisy regarding her house sale?
Rayner strongly defended herself against claims of hypocrisy, stating that she worked hard and legitimately purchased her council house by saving money.
What is Labour’s standpoint on individuals living in council houses buying their own homes?
Labour supports the notion that individuals residing in council houses should be provided with the opportunity to buy their own homes.
What policy did Labour suggest reviewing concerning the Right to Buy?
Labour proposed reviewing the additional market discounts introduced by the Tories in 2012, with considerations about the fairness of the discounts.
What criticisms did Keir Starmer make towards the Conservative Party’s housing policies?
Keir Starmer criticized the Conservatives for their economic decisions that contradict British values, stating that the Tories’ promises on levelling up are hollow and do not align with the essence of hard work and opportunity in the UK.
