UK: Anti-Corruption Minister Refers Herself to Ethics Probe

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JAN 7

Above: Official parliamentary portrait of Tulip Siddiq, 2017 Image copyright: Wikimedia Commonsstory last updated JAN 8

The Facts

UK Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq, who is responsible for economic crime, money laundering, and illicit finance, has referred herself to Sir Laurie Magnus — the prime minister's independent adviser on ministerial standards — to "establish the facts" concerning her ownership of multiple properties in London.
Siddiq's properties are connected to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as Bangladesh's prime minister in August 2024 following mass protests.
There are a total of four properties where Siddiq or her family either live or have lived that are owned or have been gifted by political allies of the Sheikh Hasina regime. Siddiq apologized last year for failing to declare that she was renting out another property owned by herself and her husband.

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Siddiq has taken a proactive and transparent approach amid scrutiny over her connections to properties linked to allies of her aunt. By voluntarily referring herself to the independent ministerial standards watchdog, Siddiq demonstrates her commitment to accountability and the new code Labour implemented for clarity on such matters. Starmer has expressed full confidence in Siddiq, emphasizing her adherence to due process and denial of any wrongdoing.

The Mirror Guardian

Establishment-critical narrative

Siddiq's links to properties tied to her aunt's controversial regime raise serious concerns about Labour's commitment to transparency and integrity. While Siddiq denies wrongdoing, her reliance on gifts from associates of Sheikh Hasina undermines her role as a Treasury minister tasked with tackling corruption. Labour's failure to address such entanglements reflects hypocrisy — eroding its moral authority after years of condemning similar conduct by Conservatives.

Spectator (UK)The i Paper