Why PM Must Fire Siddiq Over Corruption Scandal

Call for PM to Sack Siddiq Over Corruption Claims

Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq has insisted she has done nothing wrong. Kemi Badenoch has called for the PM to sack Treasury Minister, Tulip Siddiq, after she was named in an investigation into claims her family embezzled up to £3.9bn from infrastructure spending in Bangladesh.

Allegations and Response

It follows calls from Bangladesh's new leader, Muhammad Yunus, who told the Sunday Times Siddiq should apologise after reports she had lived in London properties with links to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was deposed as prime minister of Bangladesh last year. Siddiq has referred herself to the prime minister's standards adviser and has insisted she has done nothing wrong.

Government Response and Investigation

Downing Street confirmed Sir Laurie Magnus would conduct a "fact-finding" exercise to determine if "further action" was needed, including a further investigation. However, Badenoch said Siddiq had become "a distraction when the government should be focused on dealing with the financial problems it has created".

Concerns Raised by Bangladesh's Government

Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about Siddiq's links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh's leader called for Siddiq to resign, adding that properties used by Siddiq should be investigated and handed back to his government if they were gained through "plain robbery".

Responsibilities and Allegations

Siddiq is economic secretary to the Treasury and responsible for tackling economic crime, money laundering, and illicit finance. The allegations are part of a wider investigation by Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into Hasina who was in charge of Bangladesh for more than 20 years.

Conclusion

In her letter to Sir Laurie Magnus following the allegations, Siddiq said: "I am clear that I have done nothing wrong," she said, adding: "However, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters." Meanwhile, Sir Keir told reporters he had confidence in his minister, adding Siddiq had "acted entirely properly" by referring herself for investigation.