MP says claims over tax are ‘reputation smear’
Ahmed-Sheikh denies any possibility of bankruptcy
Ochil and South Perthshire MP Tasmina AhmedSheikh has dismissed reports in the national press that she is facing bankruptcy action over tens of thousands of pounds in unpaid income tax as a ”crude attempt” to “smear” her reputation.
It was reported last week that the taxman is seeking to wind up Hamilton Burns, a Glasgowbased law firm she once worked for, after it was unable to pay an outstanding £31,000 PAYE bill in October.
It was also reported last week that Lord Keen, Advocate General for Scotland, had brought a personal action against her relating to the same firm of which she is still a shareholder.
Documents lodged at Glasgow Sheriff Court reportedly referred to the MP as “the debtor” and the “sequestration of the estate” of Ms Ahmed-Sheikh as a former partner of the firm “and as an individual”.
Westminster rules state that any MP who is sequestrated should be barred from sitting or voting and if they are unable to have the sequestration order discharged or annulled within six months they must vacate their seat. But Ms Ahmed-Sheikh has said: “I have no outstanding personal tax liability whatsoever with HMRC, and have received no notification of any court action.
“Any possible proceedings would concern Hamilton Burns, a law firm I left in May 2015 following my election.
“The idea there is a possibility of bankruptcy is absurd and a crude attempt to smear my reputation.”
Reports in the national press also recently drew attention to the SNP MP’s expenses.
It emerged last month that Ms Ahmed-Sheikh has claimed £39,258 in travel expenses since she was elected - £30,693 more than her predecessor, the former Labour MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, Gordon Banks.
Earlier this year it was also reported she had claimed £10,490 for stays in London hotels.
An SNP spokesperson said at the time the spend ensured her “constituents are better represented in Westminster”.
Ochil and South Perthshire SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh