By Eniola Amadu
Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ apology for violating housing rules when renting out her family home, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed calls for an investigation.
Writing to Starmer, Reeves confessed that she failed obtain a “selective” rental licence needed to rent out her London home and apologised for what she described as an “inadvertent error.”
Reeves wrote saying “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.”
In response, the Starmer expressed that he was happy the “matter can be drawn to a close”.
Starmer revealed that the public awaited “the highest standards” and verified that he had sought advice from Sir Laurie Magnus, the ethics adviser whose investigations previously led to the resignation of two ministers.
He stated that Sir Magnus concluded that further investigation was not necessary considering the chancellor’s quick action to apologize.
Following Labour’s victory during July 2024 general elections Reeves’ family home was put up for rent at the cost of £3,200 per month.
The property is located in an area where Southwark Council mandates private landlords to obtain a selective licence, which costs £945.
This is to guarantee that landlords meet the requirements designed to raise housing quality, boosting housing demand and fighting crime.
According to the council’s website, landlords or managing agents who fail to obtain a required licence for their property could face prosecution or fines.
Posting on social media, Reeves said “while many private landlords operate in the right way, we know that lots of private tenants in Armley face problems with poorly maintained housing.
“This scheme means private landlords in the area will be required by law to obtain a licence for any residential property they are seeking to let and must meet certain standards to ensure the property is safe and in a decent state of repair.”
However, a union for tenants who privately rent said “It is laughable for those in the highest positions of power in this country to support these initiatives then fail to follow them themselves, accidentally or not.”
The Conservatives have demanded an investigation, saying that Reeves should be dismissed if she is found to have broken the law.
A Downing Street spokesperson declined to comment on whether Reeves had breached the ministerial code or if she would step down should she be fined by the local council responsible for enforcing the regulations.
“The ministerial code makes clear that in certain circumstances and in consultation with the independent adviser, an apology is sufficient resolution,” he said.
