Ethics Investigation Leads to Tulip Siddiq’s Resignation as Minister
Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq has resigned from the government, confirmed Number 10 on Tuesday. In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Siddiq explained that she had not violated the ministerial code but believed that staying in her position would be a distraction. She had voluntarily referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics tsar due to her connections to her aunt, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently being investigated for corruption. Siddiq has faced scrutiny over her ties to properties in London linked to her aunt’s associates. Allegations suggest that she was given an apartment in King’s Cross in 2004 by Abdul Motalif, an individual associated with members of the Awami League party in Bangladesh. Another claim is that she resided in a flat in Hampstead, allegedly given to her sister by lawyer Moin Ghani, who had represented the Hasina administration. Reports also tie Hasina to a shady deal with Russia in 2013 for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, involving embezzled funds. Despite being photographed with her aunt and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2013, Siddiq denies any involvement in brokering the deal. Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden stated that the allegations against Siddiq would be thoroughly investigated. Independent adviser Sir Laurie Magnus has the authority to recommend sanctions if an MP breaches the code of conduct. Siddiq opted out of a recent trip to China with Chancellor Rachel Reeves to address the mounting pressure for her resignation. Labour’s relationship with the former Bangladeshi regime has also faced scrutiny in light of Siddiq’s situation. Starmer’s visit to the country, along with other Labour members, has raised questions. Hasina had congratulated Starmer on his election victory, emphasizing her party’s friendship with the Labour Party.
