PM given ‘new information’ on Reeves’ rental arrangements

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus have been given “new information” about Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ rental arrangements, Downing Street has said.

Sir Laurie is now reviewing emails sent and received by the chancellor’s husband, Nicholas Joicey, a senior civil servant who is currently on secondment.

On Wednesday, Reeves apologised for her “error” in failing to obtain the correct licence when renting out her home in south London.

The PM had said he was satisfied the matter could be “drawn to a close” and that Sir Laurie had decided not to launch an investigation.

On Thursday, No 10 said further information had been found “following a review of emails sent and received by the chancellor’s husband”.

The spokesperson added that Sir Keir had “full confidence” in his chancellor and guaranteed she would deliver the Budget on 26 November.

The Conservatives have called for an investigation and said Reeves should be sacked if she is found to have broken the law.

Reeves put her London home up for rent in July 2024, when Labour won the general election and she moved into 11 Downing Street.

The house falls in area where Southwark Council requires private landlords to obtain a selective licence at a cost of £945.

The chancellor first became aware that her property did not have the correct licence on Wednesday when the Daily Mail, who first reported the story, contacted her.

In a letter sent to Sir Keir later that evening, Reeves wrote: “This was an inadvertent mistake. As soon as it was brought to my attention, we took immediate action and have applied for the licence.

“I sincerely apologise for this error and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.”

Sources close to the chancellor said that her letting agent had told her it would advise her if a selective licence was needed and did not do so.

The letting agency has declined to comment.

Southwark Council has said it cannot comment specifically on the case involving the chancellor but in a statement said that it only takes enforcement action against landlords who do not apply for a licence within 21 days of receiving a warning.

Downing Street confirmed that the chancellor has now applied for a selective rental license.

It is not yet clear whether Southwark Council issued a warning letter to Reeves or when the council first became aware she was breaking the rules.

Selective licences are used by councils to ensure landlords meet set standards.

The National Residential Landlords Association estimates that 47 councils in England currently have selective licensing schemes.