A letting agent has issued an apology after it emerged Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves did not have a required rental license for a property she owns. The oversight raises questions about compliance with local regulations and comes as Reeves publicly scrutinizes the Conservative party over adherence to rules and ethics.
The property in Lewisham, london, was rented out without a valid license, a requirement for landlords in the borough since October 2017. The letting agent, Martin & Co, stated the lack of a license was due to an “oversight” and has now been rectified. The incident prompted criticism from Conservative MPs, who pointed to Reeves’ previous calls for strict accountability regarding breaches of rules by public figures.
Speaking to reporters, a source highlighted Reeves’ past statements, saying, “Keir Starmer said law makers shouldn’t be lawbreakers, and he was very happy to chase every fixed penalty notice that occurred under the Conservatives.” The source continued, “What Rachel reeves looks like she has done is a criminal offense. They didn’t say it was about the seriousness of the offence. they said if the law has been broken, the law has been broken. I’m only holding them to their standards.”
The licensing scheme aims to ensure properties meet safety standards and manage the number of houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the area. Lewisham Council confirmed it is investigating the matter, but stated no enforcement action has been taken as the license has now been obtained. The agent added they are reviewing internal processes to prevent similar issues in the future. Reeves has not yet publicly commented on the situation.
