‘Some brass neck’: Rayner’s allies rebuke Cleverly over council tax criticisms

Labour source says questions around deputy PM’s new seaside flat are motivated by political opportunism

Angela Rayner’s allies have hit back at James Cleverly, accusing the shadow housing secretary of having “some brass neck” for criticising the deputy prime minister over her council tax arrangements on a property she bought this year.

Rayner acquired the seaside flat in Hove, East Sussex, for more than £700,000. The property is subject to the 100% council tax premium on second homes that was introduced in April, which she now pays in full.