UK PM orders investigation into party chairman’s tax affairs
Al JazeeraDec 23, 2022
The Facts
Conservative party chairman Nadhim Zahawi has been sacked by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after an inquiry by an ethics advisor, Sir Laurie Magnus, found that he had been in a "serious breach of the ministerial code."
Calls for Zahawi's resignation started after The Guardian reported he paid a penalty to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for unpaid taxes while serving as chancellor of the exchequer — the UK's top finance minister.
The Spin
Right narrative
The story of Zahawi's downfall highlights the reality of ministerial life: that once the media hounds are onto the scent of a wounded minister they will not let go until they get what they want. Zahawi's refusal to step down honorably, however, only added to the wider narrative of Tory government sleaze and distracted from Sunak's attempt to govern with integrity.
Left narrative
The lack of apology by Zahawi despite his sacking shows the arrogance of Tory ministers. Sunak should've sacked the ex-chairman weeks ago, and out of respect for democracy a General Election is owed to the British people so real change can finally occur.
