Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Tulip Siddiq faces probe over undeclared income

‘Tulip has already expressed her regret for the oversight’

Tulip Siddiq faces probe over undeclared income

TREASURY MINISTER is under investigation by Parliament’s standards watchdog for allegedly failing to report rental income, reported the Mail on Sunday.

Tulip Siddiq, the economic eecretary to the treasury and Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate, is accused of violating the MPs’ code of conduct.


She and her husband began renting out their London flat in December 2022, but the rental income, amounting to at least £10,000, was not disclosed until March 2024, approximately 16 months after the rental agreement commenced, the report said.

According to House of Commons rules, MPs are required to register earnings and other financial interests within 28 days of receipt.

Siddiq’s delayed declaration has been described as a breach of these rules, which are designed to maintain transparency and accountability among MPs. The payments from the rental income were reportedly made to her husband.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Daniel Greenberg, confirmed the opening of an investigation into Siddiq for a potential breach of the MPs’ code of conduct.

The investigation specifically pertains to the "late registration of interests," a rule violation that Greenberg has previously warned MPs about.

He said that failing to comply with these rules undermines the registration system and that MPs are personally responsible for timely registration.

In response to the investigation, a Labour spokesperson said that Siddiq had apologised for the "administrative error" and would fully cooperate with the investigation.

The spokesperson added, "Tulip has already expressed her regret for the oversight and is committed to ensuring that such an error does not occur again."

This investigation marks the first such inquiry of the new Parliament. However, it is not the only ongoing investigation by the standards commissioner.

Former Tory MP Bob Stewart is being investigated for failing to declare an interest and for an alleged lack of cooperation with the watchdog’s inquiry.

Andrew Bridgen, a former Tory and Reclaim MP, is being investigated over the registration of his interests, while former Tory MP Sir Conor Burns is under scrutiny for the use of information received in confidence.

During the last Parliament, the Standards Commissioner opened more than 100 investigations into MPs. The majority of these cases were resolved through a procedure known as “rectification,” which allows MPs to correct minor or inadvertent breaches of Commons rules without facing more severe consequences. T

The case of Siddiq has drawn significant attention, particularly in light of recent statements by prime minister Keir Starmer.

Starmer has put MPs on notice regarding ethics and standards, stressing that any breaches of these rules would be met with appropriate consequences. He has also pledged to strengthen the powers of the government’s ethics adviser, allowing for independent investigations into potential breaches of the ministerial code.

Siddiq, 41, has led Labour's efforts to develop policies for the financial services industry, known as 'the City' after the City of London financial district, since 2021.

In May, she said she would push markets regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, to do more to remove barriers to competitiveness and growth.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less