By John Ikani
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has dealt a decisive blow to Conservative Party Chair Nadhim Zahawi, dismissing him from the government, after an investigation into his tax affairs revealed a serious breach of the ministerial code.
The inquiry, conducted by independent adviser Laurie Magnus, uncovered misleading answers from Zahawi regarding his tax declarations.
Zahawi, who served briefly as Finance Minister during a politically tumultuous time in Britain, had claimed that the country’s tax authorities deemed his declarations as “careless.” However, Magnus’ findings showed otherwise, exposing Zahawi’s inconsistent answers and violation of the requirement for openness and honesty.
Sunak said in a statement, “The findings of the Independent Adviser’s investigation have uncovered a serious breach of the Ministerial Code. As a result, I have informed Mr. Zahawi of my decision to remove him from his position in His Majesty’s Government.”
The investigation also revealed that Zahawi had falsely dismissed reports of his tax affairs as “clear smears” last July, and only corrected the record last week when he admitted to reaching a settlement with the authorities.
Magnus’ letter to Sunak stated, “Mr. Zahawi’s delay in correcting an untrue public statement and insufficient regard for being honest, open and an exemplary leader through his behavior have fallen below the high standards expected by the Prime Minister from those serving in the government.”
