By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Rushanara Ali, the UK minister in charge of homelessness, resigned from her post on Thursday after news emerged that she had significantly raised the rent on one of her properties.
Ali, who was the under-secretary of state for homelessness in the Labour government, informed Prime Minister Keir Starmer of her decision in a resignation letter, expressing deep regret over the situation.
“It is with great sorrow that I tender my resignation as minister,” Ali wrote in her letter, which was made public by the Prime Minister’s office.
The resignation followed a report from the I-Paper daily, which revealed that Ali had given four tenants four months to vacate a property she owned in London. A few weeks later, she re-let the house at a rent increase of over 700 pounds ($940).
The controversy sparked criticism from homelessness organizations and opposition politicians, who called for her to step down.
“In light of recent coverage, I want to clarify that I have always adhered to all applicable legal standards. I have taken my duties seriously, and the facts confirm this,” Ali stated in her resignation letter.
She added, “However, I recognize that remaining in this role would be a distraction from the government’s important work.”
In response, Prime Minister Starmer thanked Ali for her work at the housing ministry, specifically praising her efforts to repeal the Vagrancy Act, which he said would have a significant impact on homelessness policies.
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