Tulip Siddiq, the UK's Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, resigned on January 14, 2025, amid scrutiny over her connections to her aunt, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Although an independent investigation found no breach of the Ministerial Code, Siddiq chose to step down to avoid distracting the government's work. AP News
The controversy centered on allegations that Siddiq benefited from London properties linked to her aunt's associates and her family's involvement in a Russian-backed nuclear deal in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina, ousted from power in 2024, is currently under investigation for corruption and money laundering, charges she denies. Reuters
Prime Minister Keir Starmer accepted Siddiq's resignation with regret, acknowledging her decision to prioritize the government's focus. Emma Reynolds has been appointed as her successor in the Treasury. Financial Times
This marks the second ministerial resignation in Starmer's administration, following Transport Secretary Louise Haigh's departure in November 2024. Wikipedia
Siddiq, who has served as the Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Highgate since 2015, has been a prominent figure in the Labour Party, holding various positions including Shadow Minister for Children and Early Years. Wikipedia
'The Door Remains Open,' Starmer Tells Siddiq
In response to Tulip Siddiq's resignation letter, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his gratitude and extended an open invitation for her return to public service in the future.
Starmer, in a letter addressing Siddiq's resignation, stated he accepted her decision "with sadness" and acknowledged her dedication during her tenure as Economic Secretary to the Treasury.
"I want to make it clear that Sir Laurie Magnus, as the independent adviser, has confirmed there was no breach of the Ministerial Code and no evidence of financial impropriety on your part," he wrote.
The Prime Minister also commended Siddiq for voluntarily referring herself to the independent adviser. He recognized her decision to step down as a means to avoid distractions from the government’s agenda, concluding: "The door remains open for you going forward."
Siddiq's resignation letter - in full
"Dear Prime Minister,
"Thank you for the confidence you have shown in me in recent weeks.
"I am grateful to your Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards Sir Laurie Magnus for acting with speed and thoroughness in response to my self-referral, and for giving me the opportunity to share the full details of my finances and living arrangements, both present and historic.
"As you know, having conducted an in-depth review of the matter at my request, Sir Laurie has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code. As he notes, there is no evidence to suggest that I have acted improperly in relation to the properties I have owned or lived in, nor to suggest that any of my assets 'derive from anything other than legitimate means'.
"My family connections are a matter of public record, and when I became a Minister I provided the full details of my relationships and private interests to the Government. After extensive consultation with officials, I was advised to state in my declaration of interests that my aunt is the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and to recuse myself from matters relating to Bangladesh to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest. I want to assure you that I acted and have continued to act with full transparency and on the advice of officials on these matters.
"However, it is clear that continuing in my role as Economic Secretary to the Treasury is likely to be a distraction from the work of the Government. My loyalty is and always will be to this Labour Government and the programme of national renewal and transformation it has embarked upon. I have therefore decided to resign from my Ministerial position.
"I would like to thank you for the privilege of serving in your Government, which I will continue to support in any way I can from the backbenches.
"Best wishes, Tulip Siddiq MP"
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