UK anti-corruption minister resigns over family ties to ousted Bangladeshi government

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Tulip Siddiq, the UK Treasury’s city and anti-corruption minister, on Tuesday resigned following scrutiny of her financial links to the former Bangladeshi government led by her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted last August in a popular uprising.

Siddiq announced her decision on Tuesday, calling the issue a distraction for the government, which has faced challenges since taking power last summer.

Earlier this month Siddiq referred herself to Laurie Magnus, the prime minister’s adviser on ministerial standards, after questions arose over connections to properties linked to her family.

Although Magnus’ investigation concluded that Siddiq had not broken any rules, he said she could have been more sensitive to the reputational risks posed by her family ties.

In his advice to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Magnus suggested the prime minister might wish to reconsider her ministerial responsibilities in light of the concerns raised by her ties.

In her resignation, Siddiq insisted that she had fully disclosed all relevant financial interests and family relationships.

She acknowledged, however, that the controversy had become a significant distraction for the Labour government: "It is clear that the situation risks undermining the government’s work, which is why I have chosen to step aside."