Angela Rayner has admitted she underpaid the stamp duty tax bill on her £800,000 Hove property and has referred herself the independent adviser on ministerial standards for investigation. The Deputy Prime Minister avoided paying the full £70,000 in stamp duty when buying her new seaside apartment, instead paying just £30,000. Documents lodged with the Land Registry, revealed by The Telegraph, show that Ms Rayner sold her 25% stake in the Greater Manchester house she shared with her ex-husband, for £162,500.

Speaking to Sky News, the Housing Minister said her living arrangement was “complex” as her first home was sold to a trust following her divorce with Mark Rayner last year. She claims this was to provide stability for her son, who is disabled. The Deputy Prime Minister now admits she received incorrect tax advice and has since considered “packing it all in”. Ms Rayner said she was unable to speak on the matters before due to a court order which prevented her from publicising all of the details about her property ownership, yet she applied to the court for permission.

In a statement the Deputy Prime Minister said: “When purchasing the property my understanding, on advice from lawyers, was that my circumstances meant I was liable for the standard rate of stamp duty.

“However, given the recent allegations in the press I have subsequently sought further advice from a leading tax counsel to review that position and to ensure I am fully compliant with all tax provisions.

“I have now been advised that although I did not own any other property at the time of the purchase, the application of complex deeming provisions which relate to my son’s trust gives rise to additional stamp duty liabilities.

“I acknowledge that due to my reliance on advice from lawyers which did not properly take account of these provisions, I did not pay the appropriate stamp duty at the time of the purchase. I am working with expert lawyers and with HMRC to resolve the matter and pay what is due.”

She added: “The arrangements I have set out reflect the reality that family life is rarely straightforward, particularly when dealing with disability, divorce and the complexities of ensuring your children’s long-term security. Every decision I have made has been guided by what I believe to be in my children’s best interests.

“I deeply regret the error that has been made. I am committed to resolving this matter fully and providing the transparency that public service demands. It is for that reason I have today referred myself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards, and will provide him with my fullest cooperation and access to all the information he requires.”