British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunakha destitute to the Chairman of the Conservative Party and minister without portfolio, Nadhim Zahawifor violate the “code” of good ministerial conduct regarding the scandal over his tax return.
In a letter sent to Zahawi, which was reported this Sunday, the head of the Conservative Government points out that “it is clear that there was a serious violation of the ministerial code”.
The scandal surrounding Zahawi broke out a few days ago after he admitted that he had paid a fine to the British Exchequer (HMRC) after detecting an error, which it described as “unintentional”, in the payment of taxes.
“When I became prime minister last year, I promised that my government would have integrity, professionalism and responsibility at all levels,” Sunak’s letter states, explaining that he asked Laurie Magnus, an independent adviser on the ethical conduct of ministers. to investigate the matter.
“Following the completion of the investigation by the independent advisor, it is clear that there has been a serious violation of the ministerial code. As a result, I have informed him of my decision to remove him from his position in His Majesty’s Government,” he adds.
In the letter, Sunak stresses to Zahawi that he must feel “proud” of his achievements in the Government for the last five years, since he had been responsible for the vaccination plan against COVID-19 and was also Minister of Economy.
“In particular, his successful oversight of the COVID-19 vaccine procurement and deployment program which ensured the UK was at the forefront of the global response to the coronavirus pandemic,” the letter underlines.
Sunak had defended Zahawi’s appointment as Conservative Party chairman on Wednesday despite the tax return scandal, and accused Labor of resorting to a “petty politics” when discussing this issue.
In Wednesday’s control session in the House of Commons, the leader of the Labor Party, Keir Starmerin opposition, questioned the appointment of Zahawi if he had evaded taxes.
“I am pleased to make my position on this matter completely clear to the House. The problems in question occurred before i was prime ministerSunak had said.
As revealed a few days ago by the newspaper GuardianZahawi had reached an agreement with the Treasury to settle a outstanding debt with a 30% surchargefor which he paid a total of 4.8 million pounds (5.9 million dollars).
According to Zahawi, who was economy minister last year, the surcharge was related to the demoscopy firm. YouGovwhich he founded in the year 2000.
Zahawi had admitted a dispute with the tax authorities, although he claimed that his mistake was “carelessly and not deliberately”.
After the controversy breaks out, the Labor Partyfirst of the British opposition, had called for the resignation of Zahawi.
The adviser who investigated the matter, as reported today, revealed to Sunak that he observed that certain “omissions” by Zahawi when he acceded to the Prime Minister’s Government.
According to the adviser, Zahawi did not reveal relevant information about the fine with the Treasury when he was appointed chairman of the Conservative Party and minister without portfolio last year.
Zahawi directed the British Treasury between July and September 2022, in the last months of the mandate of Boris Johnson as prime minister.
(With information from EFE and AP)
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Source-www.infobae.com