HMRC and Zahawi investigation: Sunak must rule out a stitch up

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Liberal Democrats have called on Rishi Sunak to rule out a stitch up in the ethics adviser’s inquiry into Nadhim Zahawi’s tax affairs, by confirming that HMRC will be given permission to assist the investigation.

It comes after the chief executive of HMRC Jim Harra told the Public Accounts Committee today he’d be willing to support the inquiry if Zahawi gives his permission.

Jim Harra also stated that there would be “no penalties for innocent errors,” implying that if Zahawi did pay a penalty, he did not make an innocent error in his tax affairs.

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper said:

“Rishi Sunak must rule out another Conservative Party stitch up. If Nadhim Zahawi refuses to allow HMRC to assist in this inquiry, Sunak should sack him on the spot.

“The public are sick and tired of toothless investigations letting Conservative ministers off the hook.

“Nadhim Zahawi must also finally come clean on whether he did pay a tax penalty, and if so how that could possibly be consistent with his previous claims this was a careless error."

ENDS