Britain’s Minister for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping, Rushanara Ali, has resigned from the Labour government amid backlash over a rent dispute involving her tenants.
Ali’s resignation, confirmed in a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer dated August 7, comes days after reports revealed that she had served tenants in her private property with a four-month eviction notice and raised their rent.
“It is with a heavy heart that I offer you my resignation as a Minister. It has been the honour of my life to have played my part in first securing and then serving as part of this Labour Government.
“Further to recent reporting, I wanted to make it clear that at all times I have followed all relevant legal requirements. I believe I took my responsibilities and duties seriously, and the facts demonstrate this.
“However, it is clear that continuing in my role will be a distraction from the ambitious work of the government. I have therefore decided to resign from my Ministerial position,” Ali wrote.
Ali had been responsible for policies on homelessness and rough sleeping, a role that drew heightened scrutiny after reports showed she was taking steps to remove tenants from her property in east London, despite rising homelessness concerns nationwide.
In her letter, she highlighted what she considered major achievements during her time in office, including working “alongside the Deputy Prime Minister” to secure “record investment in social and affordable housing, and nearly a billion pounds of funding to alleviate homelessness and rough sleeping.”
She also pointed to her role in shaping election-related reforms: “I am proud to have delivered this government’s election strategy, leading to legislation that will protect and enhance our democracy, with tough new laws on foreign donations, extending the vote to 16 and 17 year-olds, and tackling harassment and intimidation in public life.”
Ali praised the Labour government’s broader efforts, saying: “I have been proud to serve in a government that is investing in the NHS, rebuilding communities, securing trade deals, delivering jobs and growth, and rebuilding Britain’s place on the world stage.”
She commended the Prime Minister’s foreign policy leadership, noting: “Under your leadership, Britain is showing international leadership on a range of issues, from standing up for Ukraine against Russian aggression, to working with our allies on developing a pathway to end the war in Gaza, including recognition of Palestinian statehood.”
Ali concluded by thanking the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister “for your support and for giving me the opportunity to serve the British public in this Labour Government.”
“Please be assured of my continued support,” she added.
The resignation has sparked renewed debate over the Labour Party’s housing stance, with critics questioning whether party officials are aligned with the policies they promote. No replacement has yet been announced.
