Angela Rayner, who resigned as Housing Secretary in September 2024, will address property professionals at the Propertymark One conference this summer, where she will take questions from estate and lettings agents about her policy decisions.
Propertymark has positioned the session as an accountability exercise rather than an endorsement, giving delegates the opportunity to question Rayner directly about reforms implemented during her tenure.
Industry challenges cited
In its announcement, Propertymark outlined current pressures facing the property sector, including the Renters’ Rights legislation, incomplete leasehold reform, new Employment Rights legislation, National Insurance increases, rising minimum wage costs, reduced supply and fragile consumer confidence.
“As Secretary of State, she was responsible for wide-scale lettings and leasehold reform – decisions with long-term consequences for sales and rental markets,” the organisation stated. “Those reforms have shaped the property sector across the country.”
Resignation following investigation
Rayner stepped down from her roles as UK Deputy Prime Minister, Housing Secretary and Deputy Leader in September 2024 after an investigation found she breached the ministerial code by failing to pay the correct Stamp Duty on her former Hove property. The investigation concluded that her failure to seek property tax advice and the resulting underpayment fell short of required standards.
In her resignation letter, Rayner defended her legislative record, stating: “Our Renters’ Rights Bill will finally ban the oppressive rule of no-fault evictions and will reset the balance between renters and landlords through groundbreaking protection for renters.”
She also referenced the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which she said would be “instrumental in getting the homes so many people across this country need built.”
The conference session will provide a platform for property professionals to directly question the former minister about the implementation and impact of these reforms on the sector.
