Former Labour MP Zarah Sultana (pictured) has tabled an early day motion calling for MPs to be banned from being landlords while in office, in a direct challenge to what she describes as the “corrupt Labour government”.

The Coventry South MP, who is setting up a new left-wing party with Jeremy Corbyn, has tabled a motion calling on the Government to prohibit Members of Parliament from owning and letting out residential properties during their time in office.

According to The Canary, 85 (13%) of the current 650 MPs are landlords, and 44 are Labour MPs.

It is more urgent than ever to ensure that Members of Parliament do not profit as landlords.”

Sultana says: “At a time of an ongoing housing crisis, when the Renters’ Rights Bill seeks to hold landlords to account, it is more urgent than ever to ensure that Members of Parliament do not profit as landlords from the rental housing market but focus on serving their constituents in securing affordable homes for all.”

The early day motion states: “This House notes, with concern, the ongoing housing crisis and the shortage of affordable homes; believes that Members of Parliament should be wholly focused on serving their constituents without the influence of financial interests in the rental housing market.”

So far, the motion has attracted minimal support, with just two supporters: Sultana herself and Democratic Unionist Party member Jim Shannon.

Demonising landlords

The National Residential Landlords Association, however, has defended landlord MPs, saying: “Calls for MPs to be totally banned from being landlords are fuelling an unhelpful narrative that providing homes to rent is a bad thing when demand is outstripping supply.”

But tenant groups have backed the proposal, and ACORN national chair Chelsea Phillips says: “We cannot rely on MPs to make impartial decisions for renters when they themselves are making money from the housing crisis.

“This is clearer than ever following the resignation of Homelessness Minister Rushanara Ali after her actions as a landlord acted against the spirit of the government’s own Renters’ Rights Bill.”