Sunak dismisses Tory president Nadhim Zahawi for violating the code of good conduct

British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunakhas dismissed the president of the Conservative Party and minister without portfolio, Nadhim Zahawifor violating the “code” of good ministerial conduct in relation to 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 Treasury (HMRC, for its acronym in English) 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, according to reports efe.

“Following the completion of the independent assessor’s investigation, 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 post in His Majesty’s Government.”add.

In the letter, Sunak stressed to Zahawi that he should feel “proud” of his achievements in the Government during 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 underlined.

As revealed a few days ago by the newspaper GuardianZahawi had come to agree with the Treasury to settle an outstanding debt with a 30% surcharge, for which he paid a total of 4.8 million pounds (5.47 million euros).

According to Zahawi, who was economy minister last year, the surcharge was related to the polling firm YouGovwhich he founded in the year 2000. After jumping the controversy, the Labor Party, which leads the British opposition, has called for Zahawi’s resignation.

The adviser who investigated the matter revealed to Sunak that he observed certain “omissions” on the part of 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 president of the Conservative Party and minister without portfolio last year.