UK Homelessness Minister Resigns Amid Rent Hike Controversy

Britain’s Minister for Homelessness, Rushanara Ali, has stepped down from her position following backlash over a significant rent increase on a property she owns in London.

Ali, who served as under-secretary of state for homelessness in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, tendered her resignation in a letter on Thursday.

“It is with a heavy heart that I offer you my resignation as a minister,” she wrote to the prime minister.

Her decision followed a report by the i Paper alleging that she gave four tenants just four months to vacate a house she owned in London, only to re-let the same property weeks later at a rent more than £700 ($940) higher.

The revelation sparked public outcry and condemnation from homelessness campaigners and opposition lawmakers, many of whom demanded she step down given the nature of her ministerial role.

In her resignation letter, Ali defended her conduct. “Further to recent reporting, 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,” she stated.

Still, she acknowledged the political consequences of the situation: “However, it is clear that continuing in my role will be a distraction from the ambitious work of the government.”

Prime Minister Starmer responded to her resignation by expressing appreciation for her contributions.

“Your efforts to put in measures to repeal the Vagrancy Act will have a significant impact,” he said, praising her for her “diligent work” at the housing ministry.

Ali’s departure is seen as a blow to the Labour government’s housing reform agenda, particularly at a time when homelessness and housing affordability remain high on the UK’s political agenda.