Sir Keir Starmer has expressed “real sadness” at the departure of Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister.
The Labour leader made it clear he believed it was the right decision for her to go but acknowledged the pain this will bring to his former number two. In an unusual move, Downing Street released an image of a handwritten note from Sir Keir to Ms Rayner.
It states: “Thank you for informing me of your decision to resign from the Government. I am very sad that your time as Seputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party has ended in this way.
“As you know we acted in accordance with the strengthened system relating to ministerial conduct that we put in place on coming into Government. You were right to refer yourself to the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards and right to act on his conclusions.
“Although I believe you have reached the right decision, it is a decision which I know is very painful for you. You have given your all to making the Labour Government a success and you have been a central part of our plan to make Britain fairer for working families. Your work at MHCLG to help build the homes that Britain needs has been hugely important and your work to create more fairness in the workplace through the Employment Rights Bill represents a very significant achievement that will change the lives of millions of people.
“On a personal note, I am very sad to be losing you from the Government. You have been a trusted colleague and a true friend for many years. I have nothing but admiration for you and huge respect for your achievements in politics. I know that many people of all political persuasions admire that someone as talented as you is the living embodiment of social mobility.
“Even though you won’t be part of the Government, you will remain a major figure in our party. I know you will continue to fight for the causes you care so passionately about.
“With very best wishes and with real sadness, Keir.”
Ms Rayner’s fate was sealed when independent ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus found that Angela Rayner “did not heed the caution” in legal advice she received when buying her £800,000 Hove flat. Her failure to pay the full stamp duty due made it untenable for her to continue in a role which included responsibility for housing.