'Serious Breach Of Ministerial Code': UK PM Sunak Fires Party Chairman Nadhim Zahawi Over Tax Affairs Row
UK PM Rishi Sunak had asked an independent adviser to look into questions about Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs
New Delhi: After an investigation into Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs revealed a significant violation of the ministerial code, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fired the Conservative Party chair from the government on Sunday, reported news agency Reuters. Sunak had asked an independent adviser to look into questions about Zahawi's tax affairs. Zahawi served as finance minister for a short time last year during the political upheaval in Britain.
According to Zahawi, the British tax authorities determined that he had been "careless" with his declarations but had not intentionally paid less tax.
"Following the completion of the Independent Adviser’s investigation – the findings of which he has shared with us both – it is clear that there has been a serious breach of the Ministerial Code," Sunak said in a letter to Zahawi.
"As a result, I have informed you of my decision to remove you from your position in His Majesty’s Government."
Meanwhile, Zahawi responded to the Prime Minister on Twitter and wrote, "you can be assured of my support from the backbenches in the coming years. Your five priorities are the right priorities, and I will do whatever I can to help you deliver them."
— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) January 29, 2023
When Zahawi stated in July that reports regarding his tax affairs were "clearly smears," the independent adviser Laurie Magnus discovered that Zahawi had been misleading.
Zahawi didn't change the record until last week when he said he had settled with the authorities.
"I consider that this delay in correcting an untrue public statement is inconsistent with the requirement for openness," Magnus said in a letter to Sunak.
He went on to say that Zahawi had failed to meet the requirement that he "to be honest, open and an exemplary leader through his own behaviour."
He stated, "Mr. Zahawi's conduct as a Minister has fallen below the high standards that, as Prime Minister, you rightly expect from those who serve in your government."
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