Tulip Siddiq refers herself to watchdog after Bangladesh-linked property claims
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Minister asks standards adviser to investigate after allegations she lived in homes tied to Hasina government. A senior Treasury minister has referred herself to the ministerial standards watchdog after days of allegations that she has lived in multiple properties tied to the ousted Bangladeshi government.
Tulip Siddiq, the City and anti-corruption minister, has asked Laurie Magnus, the prime minister’s independent adviser on ministerial standards, to investigate whether she might have broken the ministerial code. Her request came after it was revealed that Siddiq had lived in multiple properties linked to her aunt Sheikh Hasina. Hasina recently resigned as Bangladesh’s prime minister after a popular uprising.
Siddiq wrote to Magnus: “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.”.
Labour officials said Siddiq would not travel with a Treasury delegation led by the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to China this week as planned, and would instead “remain behind to assist with inquiries”. Siddiq is under pressure over her occupancy of several properties, including a two-bedroom flat near King’s Cross and a separate home in Hampstead.
The Financial Times revealed on Friday that the King’s Cross flat was bought in 2001 for £195,000 by Abdul Motalif, a developer with links to members of Hasina’s party, the Awami League. Siddiq became the owner of that flat in 2004 without paying for it.
