Labour MP Tulip Siddiq has resigned as anti-corruption minister after her links to the ousted Bangladeshi government were exposed. Siddiq, who was appointed to the role last year, had previously faced concerns over her attendance at a 2015 meeting with Vladimir Putin and her aunt, the former leader of Bangladesh.
An independent adviser on ministerial standards found that there was “no suggestion” of financial irregularities, but raised questions about Siddiq’s living arrangements. Siddiq claimed she did not know who owned her London flat, which she said was a gift from her parents.
The controversy has led to calls for Keir Starmer, the Labour party leader, to have taken action sooner. Some in government felt he moved too slowly to address the issue.
Siddiq’s resignation comes as part of an ongoing struggle to restore public trust in British politics. The appointment of a new City minister, Emma Reynolds, has been seen as a gesture of goodwill from Starmer. However, the incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jan/14/giving-tulip-siddiq-anti-corruption-job-seen-by-insiders-as-own-goal