Keir Starmer is refusing to reopen the investigation into Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ unlicensed lettings scandal despite new claims that she was twice warned about the need for a landlord licence.
Reeves, who has faced mounting scrutiny since it was revealed she rented out her south London home for £3,200 a month without the required Southwark Council licence, was reportedly advised by both Harvey & Wheeler and Knight Frank that a licence was necessary.
Emails between her husband, Nicholas Joicey, and Harvey & Wheeler showed the couple had discussed the issue before the tenancy began.
A source has now told the Daily Mail that Knight Frank also raised the requirement when first approached to manage the property.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
The revelations appear to contradict Reeves’ initial claim to the Prime Minister that she had been unaware of the regulations.
Knight Frank confirmed it is “standard procedure to notify all clients of their legal and regulatory obligations when letting a property”.
Despite the fresh evidence, Sir Keir has again backed his Chancellor after consulting ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus, who concluded that Reeves’ failure to obtain the licence was “an inadvertent error”.
Reeves has since applied for the required Selective Licence, acknowledging it was her responsibility to do so.
Letting a property without a licence is a criminal offence that can result in an unlimited fine or repayment of up to 12 months’ rent.
Downing Street maintains that Reeves’ case is distinct from that of former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who resigned earlier this year over unpaid stamp duty, and insists “no further action is required.”
