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.
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#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.
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“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.
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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
A Greater Manchester town could be set to get a train station for the first time in 60 years
Emily Sergeant
It’s been a whopping six decades, but the residents of one local town could soon be able to hop on a train out of there.
That’s because a planning application for a brand-new £32 million station in Golborne – which would connect the Greater Manchester town, in the Wigan borough, to the rail network for the first time in more than 60 years – has been submitted to Wigan Council, meaning connectivity is finally one step closer to becoming reality.
In case you didn’t know, Golborne currently has no direct bus, train, or tram services to Manchester, and Leigh is the biggest town in England without a rail station, while the wider area is the largest and most-populous area in Greater Manchester not connected to the rail network.
The milestone aims to boost access to jobs and opportunities for people in the town and the wider Wigan borough.
NEWS: Greater Manchester on track with plan for first new rail station in over 20 years. 🚉
✅ 90%+ public consultation support for Golborne station in Wigan ✅ Planning application in to @WiganCouncil ✅ Local area improvements and walking and cycling links
According to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the Golborne station scheme forms part of a wider ambition to bring eight commuter lines into the Bee Network by 2028 – of which “significant investment” has been put into.
The application includes plans for a new accessible two-platform rail station, including step-free access throughout with a footbridge across the tracks and lifts to both platforms, a new hourly service between Wigan and Manchester Victoria, and onwards to Stalybridge, an improved town centre car park, and also new walking and cycling links to the town centre.
The submitting of the proposals comes after nearly 3,000 people had their say on the station earlier this year, with more than 90% of respondents supporting the plans.
A CGI of what the proposed new Golborne station could look like, if plans are approved / Credit: TfGM
If the plans are approved by Wigan Council, work on the site should begin in 2026, according to TfGM, with the new station scheduled to open in 2027.
Mayor Andy Burnham called the submitting of the proposals a “transformative step” for the region.
“It has taken a huge effort to get us to this point,” he explained. “But we have finally reached a major milestone on the journey to reconnect Golborne to the rail network for the first time in over 60 years.
“The proposal is based on extremely sound evidence and huge progress has been made with a planning application being submitted and overwhelming support from local residents.”
Featured Image – TfGM
News
Police issue statement after remains of young baby found in Salford field
Daisy Jackson
Police have issued a statement after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Salford yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the scene near Ashtons Field after a dog walker made the shocking discovery.
The baby – who is being called Baby A – has not yet been identified and police are now investigating ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood held a press conference near the scene on Ravenscraig Road last night.
He said: “Tragically, today, we have found what we believe to be the remains of a young baby on Ravenscraig Road, near Ashtons Field in Little Hulton.
“We have a scene in place, and you will likely see an increased presence of officers in the local area while we carry out enquiries to understand the circumstances.
“At this stage, we are following several lines of enquiry, and we are working with local partner agencies to understand who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died. We are now calling this baby, Baby A.
“All of this is extremely sensitive, and this investigation needs to be handled with the utmost care it deserves, and it is going to take time.
GMP press conference after remains of baby found in Salford
“We know that this news will devastate our communities, and while we do not have all the answers to these questions yet, I want to reassure residents that we will do all we can to find out what has happened here. The most important thing for us right now is to find answers for this baby and I would urge anyone who has any information at all to get in touch with us.
“Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
29th May 2024 
