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Rishi Sunak fires Nadhim Zahawi after ‘serious breach of Ministerial Code’

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    Nadhim Zahawi has been sacked by Rishi Sunak, with the Prime Minister telling the Tory chairman in a letter that it is "clear that there has been a serious breach of the Ministerial Code".

    The former Chancellor of the Exchequer was given the boot by Sunak for breaching the ministerial code following pressure over a multimillion tax dispute with HMRC last summer.

    In a letter to the Tory chairman, Sunak noted "new information which came to light in recent days" had led to the sacking of Zahawi.

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    Findings from a recent Independent Adviser's investigation showed a "serious breach of the Ministerial Code", the Prime Minister wrote to Zahawi.

    Sunak's letter to Zahawi read: "Following the completion of the Independent Adviser’s investigation – the findings of which he has shared with us both – it is clear that there has been a serious breach of the Ministerial Code.

    "As a result, I have informed you of my decision to remove you from your position in His Majesty’s Government."

    Zahawi spent just four months in Sunak's cabinet, serving as the Minister without Portfolio from October 25, 2022.

    He also spent time under governments led by Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, as Minister for Equalities and Chancellor of the Exchequer respectively.

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    Investigations from independent bodies led by Laurie Magnus saw that further action was necessary, with Prime Minister Sunak giving Zahawi the boot from his role as Minister without Portfolio.

    Zahawi's sacking comes as pressure continued to mount over the tax affairs of the minister, with a multimillion tax dispute with HMRC settled during Zahawi's time as Chancellor.

    Sunak ended his letter, writing: "I know I will be able to count on your support from the backbenches as you continue to passionately and determinedly serve your constituents of Starford-on-Avon and represent the many issues and campaigns you are dedicated to.

    "Thank you for your service to this and previous governments."

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