Sir Keir Starmer is 'absolutely right' to take Angela Rayner at her word over her housing row, a senior Labour MP insisted today.
Sir Keir has staunchly defended Ms Rayner during the weeks-long row and accused critics of 'smearing a working-class woman'. Ms Rayner has faced weeks of scrutiny over the sale of her former council house in Stockport with claims she may not have paid the right amount of tax The Labour deputy leader pointed to 'expert tax and legal advice' she has received as she stressed she was 'completely confident I've followed the rules at all times'.Asked why Sir Keir had not read the advice, Ms Mahmood told Sky News this morning: 'The legal advice that Angela Rayner has got is between her, her legal advisers and now the appropriate authority that is investigating this matter.
'She has told him he is absolutely right to take her word. I have every confidence in Angela, as does as does Keir Starmer.Ms Mahmood also insisted Ms Rayner had 'nothing to hide' as she claimed the Tories viewed Labour's deputy leader as 'a bit of an easy target' due to her background. 'Keir Starmer should show some leadership, grasp the details of the scandal or people will rightly wonder who is running the Labour Party if not him.'