"I am clear that I have done nothing wrong"
Labour politician Tulip Siddiq requested that the ethics watchdog investigate her.
This is amid controversy over her links to her aunt’s political party. Her aunt is the ousted former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Siddiq has faced growing calls for an investigation after recent reports that she had lived in London properties linked to her aunt’s allies.
It was reported Siddiq used a flat in Hampstead, North London, which had been given to her sister by lawyer Moin Ghani, who represented the Hasina government.
Reportedly, she also used a flat in Kings Cross, which Abdul Motalif gave her.
Motalif is a lawyer who represented Hasina’s government and has links to members of her Awami League party.
Siddiq has also faced accusations of having a link to a Russian arms deal her aunt made.
In December 2024, Siddiq was implicated in an investigation into her family’s alleged embezzlement of billions in Bangladesh’s infrastructure funding.
Siddiq says she has nothing to hide and wrote to Sir Laurie Magnus to ask him to investigate the allegations against her.
Sir Laurie advises Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on whether ministers comply with government conduct rules. He polices standards among government ministers.
In her letter to Sir Laurie, 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.”
Downing Street confirmed Sir Laurie would now conduct a “fact-finding” exercise. The aim is to determine whether “further action” is needed.
Prime Minister Starmer has stood by Tulip Siddiq, having said:
“Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
A spokesman for the PM said the results would be made public.
However, a timescale for the process’s conclusion was not specified.
As the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq is responsible for tackling economic crime, money laundering, and illicit finance.
Her actions and relationships are being scrutinised in Bangladesh and Britain.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024 after mass protests, political dissent, violence, and an uprising.
Hasina faces numerous charges in Bangladesh and is being investigated by an anti-corruption commission.
The Bangladeshi Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) have requested access to Tulip Siddiq’s bank accounts and transaction history.
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