Angela Rayner has found herself at the centre of a political storm after splashing out on a luxury seaside flat, even as her own department warns about the growing strain second homes place on housing.
Critics have branded her a “hypocrite,” while supporters argue she’s entitled to buy property like anyone else.
The £800,000 Hove Apartment
The Labour Deputy Prime Minister recently bought what neighbours call the “biggest and nicest” flat in a Victorian block in Hove, East Sussex.
With stunning sea views, celebrity neighbours, and the chance to unwind kayaking or sipping wine by the shore, the apartment has quickly drawn attention.
Rayner already has a family home in Greater Manchester and the grace-and-favour residence in Admiralty House, Westminster, leaving opponents to dub her “Three Pads Rayner.”
Criticism From Within Her Own Ranks
The controversy stings even more because it clashes with Labour’s own housing warnings.
One of her junior ministers, Matthew Pennycook, has repeatedly spoken in Parliament about how second homes and short-term lets drive up costs, price out locals, and strain services.
Rayner herself has acknowledged Britain is in “the most acute housing crisis in living memory,” while Keir Starmer has also stressed how second homes can limit affordability for ordinary families.
Political Rivals Pile On
It didn’t take long for political rivals to seize the moment.
Reform UK’s Richard Tice didn’t hold back, calling Rayner “the Everest of hypocrisy” for criticising the housing crisis while adding to her own property portfolio.
Senior Tory Dame Priti Patel accused her of applying “one rule for herself and another for the public,” while Conservative housing spokesman James Cleverly pressed for clarity on whether she had benefitted from tax loopholes on her properties.
Questions About Transparency
The Conservatives argue that Rayner still hasn’t given a straight answer about which of her homes is designated as her main residence for council tax purposes, or whether she has ever claimed discounts.
Cleverly summed up the mood by saying the public “deserves transparency,” particularly from a minister overseeing housing policy.
Not the First Housing Row
This isn’t the first time Rayner’s living arrangements have raised eyebrows.
Last year, it emerged she made nearly £50,000 profit after selling her ex-council house, which she originally bought through Right to Buy – a policy she now seeks to restrict.
On top of that, her constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne has risen in value from £375,000 in 2016 to £650,000 today.
Public Reaction in Hove
Locals in Hove have noticed her strolling around with on-off partner Sam Tarry and blending into the seaside lifestyle. But not everyone is amused.
One beachgoer, Graham Brinklow, expressed frustration, saying his grandchildren all have good jobs but still can’t afford homes.
To him, politicians owning multiple properties feels like a slap in the face.
Support From Allies
Despite the backlash, allies close to Rayner defended her purchase.
They insist the flat is a practical base for her London work, and not simply a luxury getaway.
A Labour spokesman reinforced that message, saying the party does not oppose homeownership but believes property rights must come with responsibilities.
What’s Next for Rayner?
The row leaves Rayner with questions hanging over her, both politically and personally.
Can she convincingly defend owning three homes while leading a department focused on tackling Britain’s housing shortage? Or will this fuel the narrative of “one rule for politicians, another for everyone else”?
