Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out an investigation into Chancellor Rachel Reeves after her housing rules breach.
Reeves admitted she didn’t get a selective licence that landlords in her area in south London have to obtain to rent out after she moved into No. 11 Downing Street last year following the election.
The Chancellor said in a letter to the PM that she and her family ‘regrettably’ were not aware of the licence requirement in Southwark, where the family home is located.
She ‘sincerely’ apologised for the ‘inadvertent error’ in a letter to Sir Keir, and the pair met yesterday evening to discuss the issue, the Daily Mail reports.
Selective licences are designed for councils to improve the private rented conditions and keep track of who is letting out homes.
Failing to secure a licence where it’s needed could lead to a prosecution or a fine.
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Reeves is thought to have relied on the advice of a letting agent, who told her they would advise her if a licence was necessary.
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Sir Keir said he consulted his independent ethics adviser, Sir Laurie.
The PM said: ‘He has advised me that in relation to your inadvertent failure to secure the appropriate licence for your rental property – and in light of your prompt action to rectify the position, including your apology – further investigation is not necessary.
‘The Ministerial Code makes clear that in certain circumstances, an apology is a sufficient resolution. It is important that all ministers are able to acknowledge where they consider themselves to have fallen below the standards expected of them.
‘I am satisfied that this matter can be drawn to a close following your apology.’
However, the issue has given a field day for the opposition.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, called for a ‘full investigation’ into Reeves’ mistake.
Badenoch said: ‘He once said ‘lawmakers can’t be lawbreakers’.
Rachel Reeeves’ letter in full
This is what the Chancellor told Sir Keir in her apology letter: ‘This was an inadvertent mistake. As soon as it was brought to my attention, we took immediate action and have applied for the licence.
‘I sincerely apologise for this error and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.’
‘If, as it appears, the Chancellor has broken the law, then he will have to show he has the backbone to act.’
Daisy Cooper, the Lib Dem deputy leader, said the ‘only thing she appears to be growing is the Government’s list of scandals’ instead of ‘delivering growth.
The issue comes at an awkward time for Sir Keir and the Chancellor ahead of the autumn budget next month.
It also comes after Angela Rayner stepped down as the deputy Labour leader after breaking stamp duty rules for her second home.
Lord Mandelson was sacked as the ambassador to the US after his links with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein were revealed.
Reeves is expected to deliver her autumn budget on November 26, and rumours are swirling over possible tax rises.
She said previously: ‘Britain’s economy isn’t broken. But I know it’s not working well enough for working people.
‘Bills are high. Getting ahead feels tougher. You put more in, get less out. That has to change.’
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