Tulip Siddiq, the UK's economic secretary to the Treasury, has resigned despite being cleared of breaching the Ministerial Code. The allegations stemmed from claims she benefited from London properties owned by associates of her aunt, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While cleared of any code violations, Siddiq cited the controversy as a distraction and resigned to allow the government to focus on its agenda. The Conservative Party criticized the delay in her departure, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of weak leadership.
The UK's economic secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq , has resigned despite being cleared of breaching the Ministerial Code . Siddiq stated that continuing in her role had become a 'distraction from the work of the Government' and expressed her unwavering loyalty to the Labour Government. Prime Minister Keir Starmer accepted her resignation with sadness, while affirming that the door remains open for her future involvement.
Siddiq had referred herself for investigation by Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister's ethics adviser, following allegations that she benefited from several London properties owned by associates of her aunt, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. These claims included receiving a flat in 2004 from a developer linked to Hasina's regime and reportedly staying in another property gifted to her teenage sister in 2009. Further reports alleged that Siddiq lived in a Finchley rental property owned by a member of the UK Awami League, Hasina's political party, and a close ally of the former Prime Minister. A separate controversy involved allegations that Siddiq, along with Hasina, facilitated a corrupt agreement with Russia in 2013 relating to a nuclear project, potentially resulting in the embezzlement of up to £3.9bn from the £10bn project. Following his investigation, Magnus concluded that Siddiq did not violate the Ministerial Code regarding her use or ownership of the properties. He stated, 'I have not identified evidence of improprieties connected with actions taken by Ms Siddiq and/or her husband in relation to their ownership or occupation of the London properties that have been the subject of press attention. Similarly, I have found no suggestion of any unusual financial arrangements relating to Ms Siddiq’s ownership or occupation of the properties in question involving the Awami League (or its affiliated organisations) or the state of Bangladesh. In addition, I have found no evidence to suggest that Ms Siddiq’s and/or her husband’s financial assets, as disclosed to me, derive from anything other than legitimate means.' Magnus also noted that Siddiq denied involvement in the Russian nuclear deal and accepted her denial, although he suggested this visit may be part of investigations in Bangladesh.Despite clearing Siddiq of any code breaches, Magnus criticized her lack of awareness regarding potential reputational risks to herself and the Government stemming from her family's close ties to Bangladesh. The Conservative Party criticized the delay in Siddiq's departure, with party leader Kemi Badenoch characterizing it as 'weak leadership from a weak Prime Minister'. She asserted, 'It was clear at the weekend that the anti-corruption minister’s position was completely untenable. Yet Keir Starmer dithered and delayed to protect his close friend. Even now, as Bangladesh files a criminal case against Tulip Siddiq, he expresses 'sadness' at her inevitable resignation.
Tulip Siddiq UK Treasury Ministerial Code Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh Property Allegations Resignation Keir Starmer Conservative Party
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq Linked to Cronyism and Family WealthA report alleges that Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq has benefited from property gifts and connections to her aunt’s politically-charged network in Bangladesh.
Read more »
Tulip Siddiq resigns as Treasury ministerIt comes after growing pressure over an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh.
Read more »
Now Labour minister Tulip Siddiq faces questions over $1bn Russian arms deal her aunt penned on...Shadow Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq has refused to rule out supporting Fein's plans for a united Ireland in car crash media round. In which she also likened the party's green deal to living with a child killer.
Read more »
Now Labour minister Tulip Siddiq faces questions over $1bn Russian arms deal her aunt penned on...Shadow Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq has refused to rule out supporting Fein's plans for a united Ireland in car crash media round. In which she also likened the party's green deal to living with a child killer.
Read more »
Investigators step up probe into Labour 'anti-corruption' minister Tulip Siddiq's £4billion bribery...City Minister Tulip Siddiq is being investigated over claims that she and four family members embezzled £4 billion through a nuclear power plant deal in Bangladesh.
Read more »
Investigators step up probe into Labour 'anti-corruption' minister Tulip Siddiq's £4billion bribery...City Minister Tulip Siddiq is being investigated over claims that she and four family members embezzled £4 billion through a nuclear power plant deal in Bangladesh.
Read more »