Rayner’s house claims

Sir – It may be that Angela Rayner, the shadow deputy prime minister, has nothing to hide (“Rayner’s former aide contradicts house claims”, report, April 14).

However, if this is the case, as both she and Sir Keir Starmer claim, then why don’t they come clean about the legal advice she has received and stop wasting yet more taxpayers’ money and scarce police resources?

John Hayter

Sandwich, Kent

Sir – I was a Cabinet special adviser during Margaret Thatcher’s last government. Unsurprisingly, my political views have little in common with Angela Rayner’s. But as a person she undoubtedly deserves some admiration, having overcome multiple challenges from her earlier years to rise to her current position.

Now we learn that the police are launching a criminal investigation into her conduct. Why? Surely her house sale is a civil matter for the tax authorities to investigate. If tax has not been paid, penalties may be applied. The intention is relevant. Some may be reminded of Nadhim Zahawi, the Conservative MP for Stratford-onavon: for serious sums or potential bad intent, the National Crime Agency sometimes works with HMRC.

Yet here we have the local Greater Manchester police force investigating. Surely it should be dealing with more serious matters, such as offences against the person, burglaries, thefts.

Respect for politicians is possibly at its lowest ebb in my lifetime. Unless real criminal offences have been committed, we should surely keep the personal out of the politics. If there have been lies told to Parliament, then the consequences should be political. But Greater Manchester police should leave this lady alone.

Nick Martin

London W6