British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had on Sunday, 29 January sacked the Conservative party chairman, Nadhim Zahawi following an inquiry into Zahawi’s tax affairs revealed a serious breach of ministerial rules.
The PM Sunak had written in a publicly released letter to his Iraqi-born ally: “As a result, I have informed you of my decision to remove you from your position in His Majesty’s Government.”
Additionally, the government released the inquiry report by Sunak’s newly appointed independent ethics advisor, Laurie Magnus.
In Magnus’ report, it was discovered that Zahawi effectively lied to successive Conservative leaders when he was being investigated by the UK’s tax authority, which led to the politician handing over a fine for late payment allegedly worth £5 million ($6.2 million).
However, Zahawi had given shifting explanations for the affair and had initially tried to quieten journalists and a tax consultant with threats of libel lawsuits.
Sunak’s decision to dismiss Zahawi outrightly, rather than invite him to resign with dignity underlined the grave political stakes at play, especially at a period when millions of Britons are struggling to pay the bills.
Zahawi had been in the cabinet under both Liz Truss and Boris Johnson (who had appointed him as chancellor of the exchequer, in the prime charge of the UK tax agency).
