LABOUR’S homelessness minister sensationally quit last night following outrage over claims she evicted tenants to hike their rent.
Rushanara Ali became the eleventh front bench politician to depart Sir Keir Starmer’s government in just 13 months.
The ex-minister ignited fury after it was revealed she had kicked out four renters from a house she owns in East London.
They were informed the property was being sold, only for it to reappear on the market at nearly £4,000 a month, £700 more than they had been paying.
In her resignation letter to the PM, Ms Ali said: “I wanted to make it clear that at all times I have followed all relevant legal requirements.
“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.”
In a concise recognition note, Sir Keir acknowledged that the MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney has made a lasting impact through her work addressing harassment and intimidation in public life.
She will stay on as a Labour backbencher.
Ms Ali faced enraged accusations of “staggering hypocrisy” after previously slamming landlords for exploiting tenants with “unreasonable increases”.
Her department is leading the way with Labour’s Renters Rights Bill, which is set to take effect next year and aims to prevent landlords from evicting tenants solely to increase rents.
Amidst the 24-hour period during which Ms. Ali faced calls to step down, her spokesperson stated that the former minister had plans to sell the property but opted to relist it for rent after being unable to secure a buyer.
In response to her resignation, Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly expressed frustration: “I said her actions were utterly hypocritical and that she should resign if the allegations were confirmed true.”
“Labour’s position is always do as I say, not do as I do!
“They can’t get away with that when in government.”
Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty added: “Another resignation and more embarrassment for this shambolic Labour Government.”
Additionally, Tory Chairman Kevin Hollinrake commented: “Keir Starmer promised a government of integrity, yet he has overseen one marked by hypocrisy and self-interest.”
“Once again it’s one rule for Labour and one for everyone else.”
This follows Ms. Ali’s former tenant, Laura Jackson, telling The i Paper: “It’s an absolute joke. Seeking such high rent from tenants is extortionate.”
The property was managed on Ali’s behalf by two lettings agencies, Jack Barclay Estates and Avenue Lettings.
They told tenants they’d be charged nearly a staggering £2,400 for the house to be repainted and professionally cleaned.
But landlords are not allowed to charge tenants for professional cleaning under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Ms Jackson dubbed the “exploitative” charges “ridiculous and unfair”.
However, they were dropped when the firms were told the landlord was a Labour MP.
It is understood Ms Ali was told of the fees and cancelled them.
A source close to Ms Ali told The i Paper her tenants were told their tenancy would not be renewed.
They were reportedly offered a rolling contract before the house went up for sale.
The townhouse was only relisted for rent after she did not find a buyer, said the insider.
A spokesperson for Ms Ali said: “Rushanara takes her responsibilities seriously and complied with all relevant legal requirements.”
The property is on sale for £894,990, reduced from £914,995 listed last November.
It comes as The Renters’ Reform Bill is expected to come into force next year.
The far-reaching bill will ban Section 21, also known as “no fault” evictions, as well as prevent landlords from increasing rents to deliberately squeeze hard-up renters out of their homes.
The delay to the ban on Section 21 notices, as first reported by The Financial Times, is the first in a string of push backs.
A host of other changes are included in the legislation including ensuring possession grounds are fair to both parties.
This will give tenants more security but also allow landlords to recover their properties “when reasonable”.
Providing stronger protections against backdoor eviction will also be enforced.
This will ensure tenants can appeal above-market rents which are designed to force them out.
A new Private Rented Sector Landlord will be introduced to the Ombudsman, meaning renters can get impartial help if they have a grievance with their landlord.
