Stephen Watson, who leads Greater Manchester police (GMP), gave his most extensive public comments so far on the investigation, which was triggered by a complaint from a senior Conservative.
Watson's interview with the Guardian was given to mark his third anniversary leading the force, becoming chief constable when it was failing so badly it was in special measures, and is credited with dragging it out of crisis.
The decision by his force to investigate Rayner who denies any wrongdoing-brings policing and politics potentially into conflict again.
GMP first said they would not investigate claims against Rayner over whether the house where she once lived in Stockport from 2010 was her main residence and whether she thus may have avoided tax when she sold it. The Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has called claims that his deputy lied about her primary residence to avoid tax a "smear".
Denne historien er fra May 20, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra May 20, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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