Daily Mail

Sunak to face Commons grilling as pressure grows to end scandal

- By Jason Groves Political Editor

RISHI Sunak’s ethics chief is set to investigat­e whether Nadhim Zahawi told the truth when he dismissed claims about his tax affairs as ‘smears’.

Downing Street said an inquiry by Sir Laurie Magnus could examine comments made by the Conservati­ve Party chairman, as well as ‘establishi­ng the facts’ about reports he was fined more than £1 million over an outstandin­g tax bill while serving as chancellor last year.

Last year Mr Zahawi denied he was being investigat­ed over his tax affairs, describing the claims as ‘smears’.

In July he added: ‘Let me be absolutely clear. I am not aware of this. I have not been told that this is the case.’

But he has now acknowledg­ed making a payment to settle a dispute with HM Revenue and Customs last summer when he was chancellor.

He is reported to have paid almost £5 million, including a ‘penalty’ but insisted the dispute was a ‘careless’ error.

Former Tory Cabinet minister Caroline Nokes, said yesterday Mr Zahawi should ‘stand aside until this matter is all cleared up’.

But Home Office minister Chris Philp said he should be treated as ‘innocent until proven guilty’.

Mr Sunak is braced for fresh questions about Mr Zahawi today when he faces Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons.

 ?? ?? Probe: Mr Zahawi yesterday
Probe: Mr Zahawi yesterday

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