Tulip Siddique resigned as finance minister, stating her continuation would distract from government work following criticism over her family’s alleged corruption ties in Bangladesh. Despite an investigation clearing her of breaching ministerial rules, she faced scrutiny for using properties linked to her politically powerful relatives, including exiled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Lord Rowley noted concerns about reputational risks due to her connections, although no evidence of wrongdoing was found. Prime Minister Keir Starmer accepted her resignation with regret, while the Conservative Party criticized him for inadequately handling the situation. Emma Reynolds will succeed Siddique as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Tulip Siddique tonight resigned from the government, saying she did not want to be a “distraction” after her “deplorable” conduct was condemned in a sordid investigation.
The finance minister has come under fire for her membership in Bangladesh’s powerful family, claiming that her aunt, exiled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, is the subject of a corruption probe.
Mr Siddique has also come under intense scrutiny for his use of London properties linked to his aunt’s allies.
In a letter to his close friend and capital constituency neighbor Keir Starmer, the MP highlighted that the government’s independent adviser, Sir Rory Magnus, had been found not to have breached the Ministerial Act.
Mr Siddique said he had not acted “inappropriately” and had provided the government with “details of his relationships and personal interests”.
But after Lord Raleigh’s report suggested the prime minister should “consider” whether to continue in the anti-corruption role, she said staying on as finance minister would be a “distraction from the work of government”. I admitted that it would be.
He pointed out that Ms Siddiq was “not aware of the origin of ownership of the King’s Cross flats” despite having signed a land contract, adding: “She was not aware of any potential risks to herself or to the government. It is unfortunate that they were not too vigilant about reputational risks.” Registry form.
Sir Keir expressed “sadness” at his departure and left the door open for him to return home at a later date. Emma Reynolds took over as Chancellor of the Exchequer with immediate effect.
But the Conservatives accused Sir Keir of being “lost and delayed” over Ms Siddiq’s fate, saying it had been clear for days that her position was “untenable”.
In a letter to Keir Starmer, Tulip Siddique claimed that independent advisers had been found not to be in breach of the Ministerial Act.
Mr Siddique admitted that continuing as finance minister would be a “distraction from the work of government”.
Mr. Siddique and Mr. Sir Kiir, whose constituencies are adjacent to each other (at the time of vote counting in 2015)
Lord Rowley said: “It is unfortunate that we were not more vigilant about potential reputational risks.”
Siddique has been using properties linked to the “despot” Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power last summer after 20 years on suspicion of corruption and brutality.
Despite her claims that the pair “never talk politics”, blog posts and Ms Siddiq’s Labor Party posters found in her aunt’s former palace suggest otherwise.
Siddique, his aunt and other family members are reportedly under investigation for allegedly embezzling billions of dollars from a nuclear power project. The minister denies wrongdoing.
Lord Raleigh wrote in a letter to Lord Keir: “Given the nature of Ms Siddique’s ministerial responsibilities, including the promotion of the UK’s financial services sector and the inherent potential of the regulatory framework as a core element of the UK economy and its growth, we are working with her immediate family and Bangladesh to It is unfortunate that she was not more alert to the potential reputational risks to both her and the government arising from her relationship with the government.
“While I would not advise that this shortcoming should be considered a breach of the Ministerial Act, I would suggest that you consider her future responsibilities in this light.”
Lord Rowley said his relationship with “one of the major families involved in Bangladeshi politics” had “exposed him to allegations of associational misconduct”.
He said the former finance minister was “not aware of the origin of ownership of her apartment in King’s Cross at the time, despite having signed the Land Registry Deed relating to the gift”, adding: Mr. Siddiq had the following impressions,” he added. Her parents bought the apartment from the previous owner and gave it to her. ”
Highlighting his 2013 visit to Moscow, Russia, which included attending a nuclear power plant signing ceremony, Lord Rowley said: “Ms Siddique was not involved in any government-to-government discussions between Bangladesh and Russia.” It is clear that that is the case.” Any form of official role. I accept this at face value, but I have to keep in mind that this visit could be part of an investigation in Bangladesh. ”
Lord Rowley said he could not receive “comprehensive comfort” about the status of the estate relating to Mr Siddiq.
However, he stressed that there was no evidence of “fraud” or “abnormal financing.”
The adviser said: “The lack of records and the passage of time unfortunately means that we are unable to receive comprehensive reassurance on all of the UK property-related issues mentioned in the media.” Ta.
“However, I have not seen any evidence of wrongdoing in relation to any actions taken by Ms Siddique and/or her husband with respect to the ownership or occupancy of any property in London that has attracted press attention.
“Similarly, we did not find anything to suggest any unusual financial arrangements related to Ms Siddique’s ownership or occupation of the property in question involving the Awami League (or any of its affiliates) or the Bangladeshi state.
“Furthermore, I have found no evidence to suggest that Ms. Siddique and/or her husband’s financial assets disclosed to me were obtained through other than lawful means.”
In a letter to Sir Keir, Mr Siddique said: “Following a thorough investigation into this matter at my request, Sir Rowley has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Act.” . As he points out, there is no evidence to suggest that I acted inappropriately with respect to any property I owned or lived in.
“My family relationships are on public record and when I became a minister I provided details of my relationships and personal interests to the government.
“However, it is clear that continuing in my role as Economics Secretary to the Treasury is likely to be a distraction from the work of government. I have and will continue to stand up for the plan for national renewal and transformation.I have therefore decided to resign from my position as Minister.
The prime minister said he had accepted Siddique’s resignation “with a heavy heart” and the “door remains open” for her to return to government.
“During his time as Chancellor of the Exchequer, he spearheaded the rollout of the Banking Hub, opened its 100th location, led thinking on financial inclusion and contributed to the success of the Prime Minister’s first Mansions House speech. “I would like to thank you for your efforts,” he said.
“In accepting your resignation, I would also like to make clear that Sir Rory Magnus, in his capacity as independent adviser, has assured me that there has been no breach of the Ministerial Act and that we have found no evidence of financial improprieties on your part. I would like to express my gratitude to the independent advisor for his personal assistance and for his full cooperation in establishing the facts.
“We thank you for taking the difficult decision to end continued distraction from delivering on our agenda of transforming Britain, and we are clear that the door remains open. I would like to.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: “It was clear over the weekend that the anti-corruption minister’s position is completely untenable.”
But Keir Starmer lingered and fell behind to protect his best friend.
“Even now as Bangladesh faces criminal charges against Tulip Siddique, he expresses ‘sadness’ over her inevitable resignation. Weak leadership from a weak prime minister.”
Just this morning, a fellow minister insisted that Mr Siddique was “carrying on with his job”.
The Conservative Party accused Sir Keir of “slagging and delaying” over Ms Siddiq’s fate and said it was clear her position was “untenable”.
Asked how he would be able to continue working while the investigation was underway, Dan Jarvis told Times Radio: “At the moment he[Ethics adviser Sir Rory Magnus]is trying to establish the facts of this case as an independent… There’s a process and he’s going to testify.” judgement. I am not independent in the sense that I am her cabinet colleague, so I cannot judge.
“I’m sure[the ethics advisor]will do that.”
Asked again if she should stand aside, he said: “She continues to do her job…Corruption is a process managed across government, between the Home Office and the Treasury…The prime minister’s independent adviser is watching the situation closely.”In this particular case, the The Prime Minister will make the decision. ”