Rushanara Ali has resigned as homelessness minister after reports she increased rent on a property she owns by hundreds of pounds – just weeks after the previous tenants’ contract ended.
There were calls for her to step down from homelessness charities and opposition politicians.
In a letter to the Prime Minister she has said that remaining in the role would be “a distraction from the ambitious work of this government. It is with a heavy heart that I offer you my resignation as a Minister.”
She insists that “at all times I have followed all relevant legal requirements” she added: “I believe I took my responsibilities and duties seriously, and the facts demonstrate this. However, it is clear that continuing in my role will be a distraction from the ambitious work of the government.
“I have therefore decided to resign from my Ministerial position.”
Responding to her resignation, Sir Keir Starmer thanked her for her work, which he called “diligent”.
Starmer praised her work to repeal the Vagrancy Act, adding: “I know you will continue to support the government from the backbenches and represent the best interests of your constituents in Bethnal Green and Stepney.”
The row blew up following as report in the I newspaper today, which discovered that she evicted four tenants from one of her London lettings properties, before increasing the rent.
The paper claims Rushanara Ali – the housing minister responsible for government homelessness policy – then re-listed her London property for some £700 more.
The I’s housing correspondent, Vicky Spratt, claims Ali previously let the four bedroom home near the capital’s Olympic Park for £3,300 a month but it was re-listed at £4,000 a month.
The MP had previously spoken out against “private renters being exploited” and claimed her government would “empower people to challenge unreasonable rent increases”.
This article is taken from Landlord Today