Angela Rayner has spoken out in reaction to a police investigation into her conduct concluding that “no further action” will be taken.
The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, and the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, had been under investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) since 12 April 2024, following initial media reports into her primary registered legal residence potentially breaching electoral rules, which were then back up by complaints made to the police service by James Daly – who is the Conservative MP for Bury North.
Stockport-born Rayner repeatedly denied the claims and reports, and said GMP had initially decided against looking into them, Sky News reports.
This was until Mr Daly provided “claims from neighbours”, which prompted police to investigate.
Following what was described as a “thorough, carefully-considered, and proportionate” police investigation, GMP released a formal statement yesterday concluding that it would be taken no further action into Ms Rayner’s alleged conduct.
ADVERTISEMENT
#UPDATE | Investigation into Angela Rayner MP concludes.
After a thorough, carefully considered and proportionate investigation, we have concluded that no further police action will be taken. pic.twitter.com/sYopDdgOIQ
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 28, 2024
The statement provided by a GMP spokesperson reads in full: “Following allegations about Angela Rayner MP, Greater Manchester Police has completed a thorough, carefully considered, and proportionate investigation
“We have concluded that no further police action will be taken.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The investigation originated from complaints made by Mr James Daly MP directly to GMP. Subsequent further contact with GMP by members of the public, and claims made by individuals featured in media reporting, indicated a strong public interest in the need for allegations to be investigated.
“Matters involving council tax and personal tax do not fall into the jurisdiction of policing. GMP has liaised with Stockport Council and information about our investigation has been shared with them. Details of our investigation have also been shared with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).”
Angela Rayner has broken her silence after a police investigation has concluded / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Since GMP’s conclusion that “no further police action will be taken” yesterday, there has been a growing number of calls, both from opposition and on social media, for HMRC to take matters from here and begin conducting its own investigation, following police claiming information has been shared with the authority.
ADVERTISEMENT
Angela Rayner has also broken her silence and spoken out for the first time following the conclusion of the police investigation.
She has thanked those “stood by” and “supported” her.
The Tories’ desperate tactics have been exposed for what they are and for all to see.
They’ve failed once again.
I am grateful to all those who have stood by and supported me.
My focus now is on securing the change Britain needs, with the election of a Labour government. 🌹
Taking to X yesterday evening to address the outcome of the investigation, Ms Rayner wrote: “The Tories’ desperate tactics have been exposed for what they are and for all to see.
“I am grateful to all those who have stood by and supported me. My focus now is on securing the change Britain needs, with the election of a Labour government.”
Featured Image – Flickr
News
No trams to run on three major Greater Manchester lines this Easter bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
People are being urged to ‘plan ahead’ as no trams are set to run on three major Greater Manchester Metrolink lines this weekend.
As part of a continuing £150 million investment in the Metrolink network across the region, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced that more than 1km of track will be replaced on the Altrincham line, and work will also take place between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield to prepare for full track replacement later in the year.
As a result, there will be no trams on the Altrincham, Eccles, and Trafford Park lines this Easter bank holiday weekend all day from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April.
On top of these line closures, there is also set to be disruption across other parts of the network too, as on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines, trams will run to Firswood only, and services on the Rochdale line will terminate at Exchange Square.
To keep people moving over the four-day weekend, replacement buses will run between all the affected stops, TfGM has confirmed.
Anyone using a replacement bus, however, will still need a valid Metrolink ticket or a one-day Bee bus ticket to travel, and customers will be able to use all existing options to buy these, as they will not be able to buy a ticket or pay for the fare on the replacement buses themselves.
No trams will be running on three major Greater Manchester lines this Easter bank holiday weekend / Credit: TfGM
Replacement buses are said to be calling at ‘all affected stops’ along the lines, so customers are being told not to worry about that.
Speaking ahead of the improvement works being carried out this weekend, Ian Davies, who is the Network Director for Metrolink at TfGM, said: “The first main upgrades of the year get under way over the Easter weekend, as our £150m programme to improve our network continues.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers while we carry out this essential work to ensure our tram network remains reliable, resilient and safe for years to come.”
TfGM has assured that staff will be out and on-hand across the network this weekend, but is urging anyone travelling to plan for their journeys ahead of time to make sure they go as smoothly as possible.
Looking ahead to the rest of the month, no trams will run between Piccadilly Gardens and Ashton-under-Lyne on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April while the track is repaired, and a further weekend closure for track repairs on the Ashton line will take place on Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April.
Find out more and plan ahead on the Bee Network’s dedicated webpage here.
Featured Image – Janus Boye
News
Three men arrested after ‘shocking’ Salford pub fight leaves victim in life-threatening condition
Emily Sergeant
Three men have been arrested as police continue to appeal following a ‘shocking’ incident in Salford over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at around 2:51am yesterday (Sunday 29 March), officers were called to reports of an assault at a pub on Liverpool Road in Irlam, where it’s understood that an incident involving several males took place.
Police quickly attended the scene, and one male was rushed to hospital.
The man sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, where he’s said to remain in a life-threatening condition.
While officers are working ‘at speed’ on their investigation to establish the full circumstances of this incident, a scene is currently in place, and road closures are affecting the immediate area.
At this time, it has been confirmed that three men – all in their 20s – have been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault, and they remain in custody for further questioning while GMP renews its public appeal for information.
“This is a shocking incident and our thoughts are firmly with the victim and his family during this extremely difficult time,” commented Detective Chief Inspector Helen Bagnall, from GMP’s Salford district. “We are working at pace and remain absolutely committed to identifying everyone involved and bringing those responsible to justice.
“Three arrests have been made in connection with this incident, and we are continuing to appeal for further information.
“Officers remain committed to understand the full circumstances and are urging anyone with information to come forward to support our investigation.”
Can you help? A dedicated online Major Incident Public Portal has been set up, and information, CCTV, dashcam, doorbell, and phone images and footage can be submitted here, or you can also contact police on 101, quoting log 256 of 29/03/26.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
29th May 2024 
