The UK Prime Minister has sacked the leader of the Conservative Party over tax fraud

London – British Prime Minister, Rishi SunakHe resigned this Sunday, the 29th. Nadeem ZahaviThe leader of the Conservative Party for breaching the Ministerial Act for lack of financial transparency.

Following an independent inquiry launched last Monday, the 23rd, into Zahavi’s conduct in the dispute with the IRS (British Inland Revenue), “it is clear that there has been a serious breach of ministerial law. Therefore, I hereby convey my decision to remove you from your duties in His Majesty’s Government,” Sunak wrote in a letter. Downing Street.

The prime minister on Monday handed over an investigation to his independent ethics adviser following media reports that Zahavi paid millions of pounds to British tax authorities to settle an interest dispute.

Last year, Zahavi paid what was owed to the IRS, including penalties, during his brief stint as finance minister under former prime minister Boris Johnson between July and September 2022.

So, welcome Sunak The Downing Street At the end of October, Zahavi became leader of the Conservative Party and became a minister without portfolio in Sunak’s cabinet.

Ethics counsel Larry Magnus concluded that Zahavi should have declared his involvement in the tax investigation and that he should have updated his declaration of interests after resolving his situation with tax authorities.

Laurie criticized Zahavi’s “ignorances” as “not taking enough account” of the principles of public life of being “open, honest and an exemplary leader in your own conduct”.

A case related to the sale of shares in a research firm YouGovFounded by Zahavi in ​​2000, the investment firm is valued at 27 million pounds (US$ 33.4 million or R$ 170.9 million). Balshore InvestmentsRegistered in Gibraltar and linked to the Zahavi family.

Zahavi said the handling of the case was “negligent” and not a deliberate act. In his reply to Rishi Sunak, he expressed concern over the behavior of various media after he threatened to sue the press for defamation on Sunday.

Born in Baghdad to Kurdish parents, Zahawi, 55, came to England at an early age and amassed a fortune before entering politics. In government, among other positions, he oversaw the vaccination campaign against Covid-19.

SunakBy sacking Zahavi, he wanted to reassert his authority rather than ask him to step down, especially as the leader achieved “integrity, professionalism and accountability”. Downing Street.

After 13 years in power, the Conservatives have seen their reputation tarnished by conflicts of interest. This led to accusations of corruption by the opposition Labor Party, which now leads the polls.

Last year, Sunak was involved in tax evasion while he was the finance minister.

The press revealed that his Indian-born wife, billionaire Akshata Murthy, benefited from a tax status that allowed her to avoid paying tax on her income abroad to the British Treasury.

Sunak was acquitted of breaking the ministerial act, but his wife had to give up her tax status in a difficult economic climate for most Britons. /AFP