Tory leader calls for Treasury minister to be sacked over property allegations
The Hampstead and Highgate MP, Tulip Siddiq, denies any wrong-doing over properties linked to her aunt - the ousted prime minister of Bangladesh
Last updated 12th Jan 2025
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister, Tulip Siddiq.
The MP for Hampstead and Highgate is alleged to have lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt - the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina - who's under widespread scrutiny.
Ms Siddiq's aunt was deposed in August last year following an uprising against her leadership, and fled to India.
Its current leader's told the Sunday Times London locations used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
Ms Siddiq says she has 'done nothing wrong', but has referred herself to the PM's ethics watchdog.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle has told Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, the Prime Minister will act on the findings of an independent investigation into Ms Siddiq.
He said: "I think she's done exactly the right thing, she's referred herself, that inquiry needs to go through."
He added: "I think the right way to go through this is to allow the authorities to investigate, we have given more powers to those authorities to do independent investigations, and you know full well when it comes to Keir Starmer he will listen to what the authorities say."
Mr Kyle contrasted this approach with an investigation under the previous government into Dame Priti Patel for allegations of bullying while she was home secretary, saying: "The results came out, she was found guilty, and no action happened."
Reaction of Shadow Chancellor
In response, the shadow Chancellor Mel Stride said Sir Keir Starmer needs to "get a grip" and sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq as it is now "impossible" for her to do her job.
He told Sky News: "What is not right is that the Prime Minister is not moving her out of that position and getting her to step down
"Because she is the anti-corruption minister, she has serious charges laid against her now, or serious accusations around corruption, and it's going to be really impossible for her to do that job under current circumstances. So she should step down, and the Prime Minister needs to get a grip of that."
He added: "There are circumstances, I think, where you are in a situation where you cannot actually do your job effectively. Now look, the Chancellor has gone over to China, Tulip Siddiq, my understanding was that she was due to be joining her now she hasn't, and I would imagine joining the dots, that's because of the circumstances surrounding her at the moment.
"So at the moment, she's not in a position to be able to properly carry out her role in Government, and the Prime Minister needs to get a grip and to move her on."
What's being reported in the Sunday Times
The Sunday Times reported she had used a flat in Hampstead, north London, which had been given to her teenage sister by lawyer Moin Ghani, who had represented the Hasina administration.
The Financial Times revealed she had also used an apartment in King's Cross given to her by Abdul Motalif, another associate of members of the Awami League party in Bangladesh.
In her letter to Sir Laurie, Ms Siddiq said: "In recent weeks I have been the subject of media reporting, much of it inaccurate, about my financial affairs and my family's links to the former government of Bangladesh.
"I am clear that I have done nothing wrong.
"However, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters.
"I will obviously ensure you have all the information you need to do this."