There’s been an angry reaction to the decision by letting agents’ body Propertymark to pay Angela Rayner to speak at its summer conference.
Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, is to speak at the Propertymark One event in June.
Over the weekend the Daily Mail claimed she was being paid a “five figure sum” to address agents, while the Conservatives have voiced their opposition to the invitation.
Tory party chairman Kevin Hollinrake – the founder of Hunters estate agency before he became an MP – told the paper: “Only in the world of the champagne socialism could someone resign in disgrace as Housing Secretary over not paying their property taxes and then pop-up weeks later earning thousands for a star turn at a property conference.”
Rayner – seen as the architect of the Renters Rights Act prior to her resignation from the cabinet – was also a driving force behind the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Act, and Labour’s pledge to build 1.5m new homes across England by the end of this parliamentary term.
She is by some margin the most significant speaker at the trade body conference.
Jason Lee, Head of Commercial at Propertymark, comments: “Angela Rayner is one of the most pivotal figures in UK politics and housing policy today, and we are delighted to welcome her to Propertymark One.
“Her influence on the national conversation around housing, communities and opportunity has been profound, and her career journey resonates with many across the sector.
“Having a political leader of her profile and experience address our conference underlines the scale and importance of Propertymark One within the industry.
“It represents a significant moment for agents to hear from someone who has helped shape the direction of housing at the highest level of government.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today