Rushanara Ali has resigned as the UK’s homelessness minister following a firestorm of criticism.
On Friday, the five-term Labour MP shared a photo of her resignation letter on her Facebook page.
Reports revealed that the first-ever British-Bangladeshi MP served four tenants a four-month eviction notice last November, claiming the property was up for sale.
Weeks after they vacated, the house was re-listed — for a substantial £700 per month increase, from £3,300 to £4,000, according to media reports.
Critics, including politicians and housing charities, slated the move as hypocritical, especially in light of her vocal advocacy for renters’ rights and her department’s efforts to curb such practices.
In her resignation letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Rushanara maintained that she “at all times” acted in compliance with legal obligations.
She added that remaining in her role would distract from the government’s housing agenda.
Starmer accepted her resignation, praising her “diligent work” on housing issues and confirming she will continue to serve as an MP from the backbenches, the Guardian said.
The i Paper first broke the story about Rushanara’s East London property, citing one former tenant who said they were served notice last November that their tenancy would not be renewed, with four months to vacate.
BBC cites a source close to Rushanara as saying the tenancy had ended and the tenants left voluntarily before the house was relisted for rent.
While the property was initially listed for sale at £914,995 in November 2024, the price was cut by £20,000 in February. After failing to secure a buyer, the property was re-listed for rent at a significantly higher rate.
The BBC reports that the proposed Renters’ Reform Bill is now at its final stage in the British parliament.
Under the bill, landlords will be barred from re-letting properties within six months of evicting tenants on the grounds of sale.
If passed, the law will also require landlords to give tenants at least four months’ notice. The legislation, however, is not expected to come into force before next year.
London Renters Union spokesperson Siân Smith said Rushanara’s actions were “indefensible” and she “must step down” due to a “clear conflict of interest”.
Tory Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused her of “staggering hypocrisy” over the handling of the property.
Holinrake said Rushanara had to resign because she had “spoken out about exploiting tenants, about providing more protections to tenants”.
Rushanara made history in 2010 as the first British MP of Bangladeshi origin, representing Bethnal Green and Bow under the Labour Party banner.
She retained her seat for a fifth consecutive term in last year’s election.
Born in Sylhet in 1975, she moved to London with her parents at the age of 7.
An Oxford graduate in politics, philosophy and economics, she also served as associate director at the Young Foundation before entering frontline politics.
