Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson has questioned what he sees as double standards from Labour politicians regarding tax arrangements for disabled children.
The former Top Gear host posted on social media expressing bewilderment at supporters of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner after she faced calls to resign after admitting to not paying enough tax on her home in Hove.
Pointing out the hypocrisy from Ms Rayner’s backers, Mr Clarkson penned on X: “I’m puzzled. Labourites tell us that Angela Rayner was only trying to look after her child which they quite rightly say is understandable.
“But when a farmer tries to look after his children, they say he’s a tax dodger,” he signed off.
His comments followed revelations about Ms Rayner’s stamp duty underpayment on her coastal property purchase.
When a social media user suggested that farmers with severely disabled children requiring lifelong support would face identical regulations, Mr Clarkson disputed this assertion. “You’re wrong I’m afraid,” the presenter responded to the follower’s claim about comparable treatment.
His intervention came as Ms Rayner faced scrutiny over her property tax arrangements, which involved a trust established for her son following a medical incident that resulted in permanent disabilities.
The presenter’s comments underscored tensions between rural communities and the Labour government over perceived inequities in tax policy.
I’m puzzled. Labourites tell us that Angela Rayner was only trying to look after her child which they quite rightly say is understandable.
But when a farmer tries to look after his children, they say he’s a tax dodger.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) September 4, 2025
The broadcaster had previously ridiculed Ms Rayner when news of her tax miscalculation first emerged.
Mr Clarkson posted sarcastically on X on Wednesday: “Crikey. The deputy prime minister of the UK has admitted she doesn’t understand how tax works. I wonder what else she doesn’t understand.”
The controversy originated when Ms Rayner purchased a three-bedroom apartment in May for £800,000, declaring it as her sole property and paying £30,000 in stamp duty.
However, she should have paid £70,000 as the higher rate for additional properties.
The confusion stemmed from complex arrangements involving her former matrimonial home in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.
Following her divorce finalisation in 2023, portions of that property were transferred to a trust benefiting her disabled son.
Ms Rayner disposed of her remaining quarter share in January, receiving £162,500. She believed this meant she owned no property when purchasing the Hove flat.
Tax regulations stipulate that parents remain deemed owners of properties held in trust for minor children regarding stamp duty calculations. This technical rule meant Rayner’s legal advisors provided incorrect guidance.
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The Deputy Prime Minister engaged different solicitors for the Hove purchase than Shoosmiths, who had established her son’s trust arrangement.
She stated her lawyers advised that standard stamp duty applied, given her lack of financial interest in the Ashton property.
Financial specialists suggest Rayner faces potential penalties reaching £40,000 for the underpayment.
The episode represents significant political discomfort for the Deputy Prime Minister, who maintains her primary residence at the Greater Manchester property whilst also utilising government accommodation at Admiralty Arch in central London.