Nigel Farage swiftly demanded Angela Rayner’s resignation following her mistake regarding stamp duty payment, yet it appears he managed to lower his own tax burden when purchasing a new residence.

Although the Reform party leader announced the acquisition of a home in Clacton, Essex, where he serves as an MP, it was actually his partner, Laure Ferrari, who paid almost £900,000 for the luxurious property. As the sole owner, Ferrari would be responsible for nearly £32,000 in stamp duty, as per HMRC’s online tool.

If Mr. Farage had purchased the property himself, he would have incurred at least £75,000 as second home duty, resulting in savings of £44,000, sparking accusations of hypocrisy similar to those faced by Ms. Rayner. When questioned about any financial assistance provided to Ferrari for the purchase, Farage denied any involvement, stating that she could afford it independently due to her affluent background and expressed her satisfaction with the property.

While confirming that the home is solely owned by Ferrari in the UK, Farage rejected claims that the arrangement was a tax-saving scheme, labeling such allegations as unfounded and unfair. Despite previous statements suggesting his ownership of the Clacton property, Farage asserted that Ferrari is the owner and emphasized his active engagement with constituents in the area.

Before Rayner’s resignation, Farage criticized her actions, questioning her ability to remain in her position. It is important to note that there is no indication of any rule violations concerning the Clacton residence by either Farage or his partner.

Regarding the property, Good Law Project director Jo Maugham raised concerns about conflicting statements made by Farage, highlighting the significant stamp duty savings potentially orchestrated, surpassing those that led to Rayner’s resignation.

Farage, who also holds a substantial property portfolio valued at £3 million, including rental properties and investment assets, previously faced scrutiny for setting up an offshore trust to mitigate inheritance tax obligations, a move he later disavowed.

In light of these developments, revelations about financial practices of other political figures have emerged, underscoring ongoing debates about tax efficiency and transparency within the political landscape.