Angela Rayner tells BBC she will not repay severance payment
UK Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has refused to return a £16,876 ministerial severance payment received after her resignation last year. The Conservative opposition has criticized the move, citing her previous comments on ministerial accountability.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing political debates regarding ministerial conduct, public funds, and the 'revolving door' of government appointments.
Figure caption, Watch: Angela Rayner refuses Tory demand to give her severance pay back
Angela Rayner has told the BBC she will not repay a £16,876 ministerial severance payment after making her return to the cabinet.
The Labour MP resigned as deputy prime minister and housing secretary in September 2025 after failing to pay enough tax on her £800,000 flat in Hove , which resulted in the exit payout.
Rayner was reappointed as housing secretary by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Monday, prompting the Conservatives to press for her to return the money.
In 2023, Rayner said there was a "staggering lack of shame" from the Tories after it was revealed former ministers - some of whom later returned to the frontbench - were paid more than £450,000 in severance packages , external .
Angela Rayner: Cabinet comeback for one of Labour's biggest names
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