**Starmer Stands by City Minister Amid Property Controversy**
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced his support for City minister Tulip Siddiq despite ongoing scrutiny surrounding her connections to properties linked to allies of Bangladesh’s ousted former government. Siddiq, responsible for combating financial corruption, has taken the initiative to refer herself to the government standards watchdog, Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards Laurie Magnus, regarding the issue. Starmer emphasized his confidence in Siddiq during a press briefing on Monday, stating, “I’ve got confidence in her.”
**Premier’s Endorsement**
Starmer’s public backing provides some relief for Siddiq as she faces a barrage of allegations in the British media concerning her receipt and utilization of properties associated with Sheikh Hasina, her aunt and Bangladesh’s former prime minister, who was removed from power last year. The connection to Hasina’s government is particularly controversial due to accusations against her Awami League party of draining funds from Bangladesh’s banking system, allegations they refute.
**Media Reports and Investigations**
According to reports, Siddiq acquired a two-bedroom flat near King’s Cross in 2004 without any payment, with the property having been purchased by a developer with ties to senior figures in the Awami League three years prior. Additionally, Siddiq reportedly made use of a separate north London property provided to her family in 2009 by Moin Ghani, a Bangladeshi lawyer representing Hasina’s government.
**Siddiq’s Response and Actions**
In light of the media coverage, Siddiq penned a letter to Magnus, asserting her innocence and requesting an independent inquiry to establish the facts surrounding her financial affairs and family’s links to the former Bangladeshi government. Magnus will conduct an investigation to determine if further measures, such as a broader inquiry, are necessary, as communicated by Starmer’s spokesperson, Dave Pares.
Siddiq’s upcoming trip to China with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has been postponed to aid in the ongoing inquiries, as confirmed by a Labour Party representative. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
