Exclusive: Labour’s deputy leader talks openly about the impact on her of the Tory-led controversy about her past living arrangements

Angela Rayner has been described as a huge electoral asset by Labour’s campaign chief, but until this week she has been one the party was unable to fully deploy.

For months, Labour’s deputy leader has faced questions about her historical living arrangements, with the police investigating claims by the Tory party that she may not have paid the right amount of tax.

Exclusive: Deputy leader says Abbott has not been treated fairly by some and confirms she has not been barred from running

• UK politics live – latest updates

Diane Abbott has not been treated “fairly or appropriately” by some Labour colleagues and should be allowed to stand again for the party at the election if she wishes to do so, Angela Rayner has said.

Labour’s deputy leader confirmed that the veteran MP had not been barred from running again despite reports to the contrary and said she “doesn’t see any reason” why Abbott could not run now the party whip had been restored.

Exclusive: Document seen by the Guardian says ‘no capital gains tax is due’ from Labour deputy leader and that case is now closed

HM Revenue and Customs has confirmed that Angela Rayner owes no capital gains tax for the sale of her former council house and that no further action will be taken, according to a document seen by the Guardian.

The tax authority said two weeks ago it had considered the evidence and had concluded the house in Stockport was the Labour deputy leader’s principal residence the whole time she owned it, meaning no tax would be due.

Gloom, resignation, but also a show of fighting spirit as PM’s troops weigh up the odds on re-election

In the frenzied hours shortly after Rishi Sunak made his surprise election announcement on Wednesday, despairing Tory MPs could be spotted wandering around Westminster contemplating their fate.

One government minister was seen thrusting his official red folder towards his opposition number, whom he had happened to bump into. “You might as well have this now,” he said.

PM announces date with Tories trailing Labour by 20 points in polls, saying it is ‘the moment for Britain to choose its future’

• Why is Sunak calling an election now?

Rishi Sunak has called a surprise general election for 4 July in a high stakes gamble that will see Keir Starmer try to win power for Labour after 14 years of Conservative-led government.

Addressing the nation outside Downing Street, Sunak said it was “the moment for Britain to choose its future” as he claimed the Tories could be trusted to lead the country during a time of global instability.

Safety of Jewish community ‘canary in mine’ for British political system, communities secretary will warn in speech

Michael Gove is to warn that Britain risks “descending into the darkness” if it fails to tackle growing antisemitism in the wake of the 7 October attacks.

In a major speech, the communities secretary will say the safety of the Jewish community in the UK is the “canary in the mine” for the health of the whole political system.