Nadhim Zahawi committed a serious breach of ministerial code, says Sunakon January 29, 2023 at 9:41 am

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Pressure was mounting on Nadhim Zahawi after it emerged he paid a tax penalty while chancellor.

Britain's Minister without portfolio Nadhim Zahawi arrives for a Cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, 17 January 2023Image source, EPA

Nadhim Zahawi has been sacked as Conservative Party chairman amid mounting pressure over his tax affairs.

The prime minister said an inquiry into Mr Zahawi’s financial affairs showed there was a “serious breach of the ministerial code”.

Rishi Sunak ordered the investigation after it emerged Mr Zahawi paid a penalty to HMRC while he was chancellor, over previously unpaid tax.

Mr Zahawi had said HRMC accepted it was a “careless and not deliberate” error.

In a letter to Mr Zahawi, Mr Sunak said the MP could be “extremely proud of your wide-ranging achievements in government over the last five years”.

He specifically cited Mr Zahawi’s work overseeing the Covid vaccine, saying it was “critical to ensuring our country came through this crisis and saved many lives”.

Mr Zahawi had come under increased scrutiny after he confirmed he had made a payment to settle a dispute with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The BBC understands the dispute was resolved between July and September last year, when he was chancellor and in charge of the tax system.

The total amount paid was in the region of about £5m, including a penalty, the BBC understands.

On Monday, Mr Sunak had asked his independent ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, to look into the disclosures about Mr Zahawi’s tax affairs, saying there were “questions that need answering”.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Crooked House: Wonky pub’s bricks and foundations to stayon August 22, 2023 at 6:14 pm

Further work will be carried out to remove hazardous waste, South Staffordshire Council says.Further work will be carried out to remove hazardous waste, South...

World Cup 2022: Wales name injury doubt Joe Allen in 26-man squadon November 9, 2022 at 7:05 pm

Robert Page names his 26-man squad for Wales' first World Cup in 64 years, with midfielder Joe Allen included despite being a major injury...

Siege of Mariupol: Fresh Russian attacks throw evacuation into chaoson March 5, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Mariupol authorities postpone a planned mass evacuation because of continued bombardment.Image source, ReutersRussian forces continued to shell the Ukrainian city of Mariupol on Saturday,...

Japan to lift restrictions on foreign touristson September 23, 2022 at 3:09 am

After two-and-a-half years, the country will freely allow in vaccinated travellers next month.After two-and-a-half years, the country will freely allow in vaccinated travellers next...

Dying dad’s Scunthorpe Utd gift to daughter given to charity in erroron October 29, 2022 at 11:25 am

A Scunthorpe Utd shirt, bought for a girl by her dad before he died, was given to charity in error.A Scunthorpe Utd shirt, bought...