UK homelessness minister Rushanara Ali is facing mounting pressure to step down following allegations she evicted tenants from her east London property and later relisted it at a significantly higher rent.
According to a report by the i Paper, four tenants renting a four-bedroom house owned by Ali were given four months’ notice in November 2023, informed that the lease would not be renewed as the property was to be sold. At the time, the rent was £3,300 per month.
However, after the tenants vacated, the property was reportedly relisted at close to £4,000 a month when no buyer was found—sparking accusations of misleading the tenants and exploiting a legal loophole.
The situation has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Labour, Conservative and SNP politicians have condemned Ali’s actions as hypocritical, given her vocal stance on tenants’ rights and housing reforms.
Ali has previously criticised exploitative practices in the rental market and pledged that a Labour government would empower tenants to challenge excessive rent increases. However, this case has raised serious concerns about her credibility on housing issues.
Shadow housing secretary James Cleverly told the i Paper that the claims represented “the most extreme hypocrisy” and questioned her suitability to remain in office. Conservative party chair Kevin Hollinrake echoed this sentiment, calling the incident “staggering hypocrisy” and stating Ali “must resign”.
Critics argue that the situation contradicts the very principles Ali has promoted in her ministerial role. The upcoming Renters’ Reform Bill, expected to take effect in 2026, will prevent landlords from ending tenancies to sell a property and then relisting it at a higher rent.
A spokesperson for Ali defended her actions, stating that the property had been listed for sale while the tenants were still in residence and that they had been offered the option to remain on a rolling contract. The house was only relisted for rent after failing to sell. The spokesperson added that Ali had complied with all legal obligations and “takes her responsibilities seriously”.
Despite this defence, calls for her resignation continue to grow amid increasing scrutiny from political opponents, tenant advocates and members of the public.
