Investigation into whether Angela Rayner broke the law in the 'two homes' row will be done 'fairly and impartially', says chief constable of force leading probe

The chief constable of the police force examining whether Angela Rayner broke the law in the 'two homes' row yesterday defended its investigation, saying it would be done 'fairly and impartially'.

In his most extensive public comments since the probe was launched, Stephen Watson - who has been hailed for his 'back to basics' approach to bringing Greater Manchester Police out of special measures - pledged it would 'go where the evidence leads us'.

But he said it was important that police were 'careful that we're not drawn into political spats' - and revealed the allegations facing the Labour deputy leader would 'not necessarily' result in a file being sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

His force is understood to be investigating potential breaches of electoral law, a failure to pay capital gains tax and whether a single-occupancy council tax discount was falsely claimed by Sir Keir Starmer's number two.

They were asked to investigate by Conservative Party deputy chairman James Daly after Ms Rayner's convoluted property dealings were revealed by the Mail on Sunday.

In his most extensive public comments since the probe was launched, Stephen Watson (pictured) pledged it would 'go where the evidence leads us'

Angela Rayner speaks during an event to launch Labour's election pledges at The Backstage Centre on May 16, 2024

The force initially said it had concluded there was 'no case to answer'.

But after the Bury North MP responded with a series of further questions, it launched an investigation.

In response, fellow Tory MPs insisted Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham - who once described Ms Rayner as 'an amazing politician' - should stay out of the controversy.

The former Labour cabinet minister - elected for a third term earlier this month - responded by pledging to have 'no involvement' in the probe.

Mr Watson declined give details of the police operation.

But he said it would 'not necessarily' result in a file being sent to the CPS to consider whether charges should be brought, telling the Guardian it depended 'what comes out'.

Police were asked to investigate by Conservative Party deputy chairman James Daly after Ms Rayner's convoluted property dealings were revealed by the Mail on Sunday

Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner launches the party's campaign for the May 2 local elections

Pictured: A general view of the home in Lowndes Lane, Stockport, Greater Manchester (Ms Rayner's ex-partner's property) which is at the centre of the row

The mother of three has insisted that for many years her 'principal property' was the house in Vicarage Road, Stockport (pictured) Ms Rayner sold the house for £127,500 in March 2015, according to property website Zoopla

The Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Leader Angela Rayner launch the party's campaign for the May 2 local elections

Ms Rayner has been targeted by a Tory-sponsored  'tax dodger' protest as she broke cover on the election campaign trail in the North East in April

'We'll see where it ends up,' he added.

The deputy Labour leader maintains that an ex-council house in Stockport, Greater Manchester which she sold for a £48,500 profit in 2015 was her 'principal property'.

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But neighbours say she was actually living at her husband's house a mile away, leading to claims she may have committed an offence by remaining on the electoral roll - and potentially dodged paying capital gains tax.

Ms Rayner claims legal advice she received exonerates her from any wrongdoing.

She has said that if the police find she has broken the law she will stand down.

Yesterday Mr Watson insisted his officers would investigate 'fairly, impartially' and 'go where the evidence leads us'.

'People make allegations, we have a look at the facts and we come to a determination as to whether culpability is proven or otherwise,' he added.

Labour have previously said Ms Rayner would 'co-operate with any investigation' and that the party is 'confident that she has complied with the rules'.