On the record What Zahawi has told the media

July 9, 2022

A spokesman for Mr Zahawi told

The Independent: “All Mr Zahawi’s financial interests have been properly and transparently declared. Mr Zahawi is not aware of any formal investigation by HMRC. His taxes are fully paid and up to date. He will provide full information to any queries that HMRC have about his tax affairs.”

July 9

A source close to Mr Zahawi told The Guardian: “[He] does not have, and never has had, an interest in Balshore Investments and he is not a beneficiary.”

July 10

Mr Zahawi told

The Telegraph: “I declare my finances properly, I pay my taxes in the United Kingdom. And of course, if HMRC has any questions, I’m very happy to answer any questions.”

July 11

Asked by Sky News if he had “told us everything about your business affairs that could potentially impact on your future ability to become prime minister”, Mr Zahawi replied: “Yes I have.” On the £20million of Yougov shares, he replied: “I was not the beneficiary of the Balshore investment that held those shares … It’s on public record.”

July 11

Mr Zahawi told Sky: “I was clearly being smeared … I’ve paid my taxes in the UK. I will answer any questions HMRC has of me ... I’m going to make a commitment today that if I am prime minister I think the right thing to do is publish my accounts annually.” However, Mr Zahawi has declined to publish his tax returns for the past decade: “If I’m prime minister, I will publish them going forward. I don’t think being retrospective is right.”