Britain’s minister responsible for tackling homelessness, Rushanara Ali, stepped down from her role on Thursday after reports emerged that she had significantly increased the rent on a property she owns.
“It is with a heavy heart that I offer you my resignation as a minister,” wrote Ali, who served as under-secretary of state for homelessness in the Labour government, in a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Her resignation followed a report by the i newspaper, which revealed that Ali had asked four tenants to vacate her London property within four months, only to relist it weeks later at a rent over £700 ($940) higher.
The revelation prompted criticism from homelessness advocacy groups and opposition MPs, many of whom called for her resignation. Ali, 50, insisted she had complied with all legal obligations.
“In light of recent reporting, I want to be clear that I have always followed all relevant legal requirements. I have taken my responsibilities seriously, and I believe the facts reflect that,” she said in her resignation letter, released by the prime minister’s office.
“However, it has become evident that my continued presence in this role would distract from the government’s important and ambitious work,” she added.
Prime Minister Starmer responded by thanking Ali for her “diligent work” at the housing ministry, highlighting her efforts to repeal the Vagrancy Act as having a lasting impact.
