UK's political arena is abuzz with controversy surrounding allegations against Labour MP and city minister Tulip Siddiq.
Speculation mounts over what action Prime Minister Keir Starmer might take, as Peter Kyle, a senior minister, has assured that an independent investigation into Tulip Siddiq’s alleged misconduct will proceed, emphasising that she should not resign while the inquiry is ongoing, reports The Guardian.
A series of allegations have surfaced against Siddiq, the latest being her residence in multiple flats in London allegedly provided by close associates of the ousted Awami League government of Bangladesh.
This revelation has triggered widespread debate.
Independent adviser on ministerial standards, Laurie Magnus, is currently scrutinising these claims.
On Monday, Tulip Siddiq herself requested Magnus to review the accusations, a move Prime Minister Starmer supported, stating that she has acted "entirely appropriately" and expressing his confidence in her.
However, the political scenario shifted dramatically after The Sunday Times published an interview with Dr Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh's interim government.
Dr Yunus called for an investigation into Siddiq's London properties, suggesting that if they were acquired through "blatant theft," they should be returned to the Bangladesh government.
He further urged Siddiq to apologise and step down.
Subsequently, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch took to social media, urging Starmer to dismiss Tulip, describing the current moment as "the right time" for such action.
Badenoch criticised Starmer for appointing a close ally with allegations of corruption as an anti-corruption secretary.
Peter Kyle, however, dismissed these calls, defending Siddiq’s integrity in an interview with Sky News, emphasising the importance of allowing the investigation to run its course independently.
Kyle stated that empowering the authorities for an impartial inquiry is crucial, and Starmer is prepared to act based on its outcomes.
Meanwhile, Conservative Party leader Mel Stride argued that Starmer should take control of the situation and remove Siddiq from her ministerial role, as the gravity of the allegations renders her incapable of fulfilling her duties effectively.
Stride reasoned that in some situations, one cannot perform their responsibilities effectively, citing Tulip Siddiq’s absence from the chancellor's visit to China as indicative of the strain caused by the current circumstances.
In addition to housing allegations, Tulip Siddiq has also been linked to corruption in Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, prompting previous inquiries by the UK Cabinet Office's Propriety and Ethics Team (PET).
