Sheikh Hasina’s Niece Tulip Siddiq Resigns as UK Treasury Minister Amid Corruption Storm
UK Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq has stepped down following mounting pressure linked to a corruption investigation in Bangladesh. She referred herself to Prime Minister Keir Starmerโs standards adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, after scrutiny over connections to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former prime minister.
Although Sir Laurie found no evidence of wrongdoing, Siddiq failed to recognize the reputational risks associated with her family ties. Siddiq said her resignation was necessary to avoid distractions for the government and maintained her innocence.
Siddiq, the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate, was recently named in two separate investigations in Bangladesh. Allegations include claims of assisting her aunt in misusing power and involvement in embezzlement linked to infrastructure projects.
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Sir Laurieโs inquiry highlighted discrepancies about a London flat Siddiq claimed was bought by her parents. It was later revealed as a gift from a property developer tied to Hasina’s government. Siddiq issued a public correction after becoming a minister but insisted she was unaware of the property’s origins.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Starmer for delaying action, calling it โweak leadership.โ
Siddiq, who was photographed with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a 2013 nuclear power plant deal linked to inflated costs, denied any official involvement in the project. Sir Laurie accepted her explanation but noted it could be part of Bangladeshโs ongoing probe.
Labour MP Emma Reynolds will replace Siddiq as Economic Secretary to the Treasury.
Sheikh Hasina’s Niece Tulip Siddiq Resigns as UK Treasury Minister Amid Corruption Storm