Tulip Siddiq, the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate, has resigned from her position as Economic Secretary to the Treasury following allegations linked to a criminal case in Bangladesh. The case, filed by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission, accuses Siddiq of assisting her mother in influencing the Prime Minister of Bangladesh inappropriately. These allegations have surfaced alongside a separate investigation involving Siddiq’s supposed role in a controversial 2013 deal with Russia. Although she denies any wrongdoing, Siddiq has chosen to step down, citing her resignation as a necessary action to prevent distractions from her governmental duties.
The case against Siddiq stems from accusations that she helped her mother, Rehana Siddique, sway the Bangladeshi Prime Minister to misuse power for securing a plot in East-Purachal New Town, a coveted diplomatic area. According to Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission, Siddiq used her influence to breach public trust by facilitating this allocation.
"Ms. Tulip Rizwana Siddique…used her special powers, to directly influence and assist Ms. Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh…influencing her to misuse her power as the highest official and public servant of the government to breach the trust criminally and, through her, influenced the public servants in charge of the project allocation." – Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission
Siddiq had earlier referred herself to Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister's standards adviser, amid questions concerning her links to her aunt, who had been ousted as Bangladesh's Prime Minister. Sir Laurie conducted an investigation into the allegations and found no concrete evidence of improprieties. However, he noted that it was "regrettable" that Siddiq was not more vigilant about the reputational risks associated with her familial ties.
"Given the nature of Ms Siddiq's ministerial responsibilities… it is regrettable that she was not more alert to the potential reputational risks – both to her and the government – arising from her close family's association with Bangladesh," he said. – Sir Laurie
Siddiq was also implicated in a separate investigation concerning an alleged deal with Russia in 2013 that inflated the cost of a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. During this period, she attended the signing ceremony and was photographed with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite these allegations, Siddiq has consistently denied any involvement in the negotiations.
"He said Siddiq had been clear that she had 'no involvement in any inter-governmental discussions between Bangladesh and Russia or any form of official role'." – Sir Laurie
Sir Laurie's findings supported Siddiq's claims, stating that no unusual financial arrangements or evidence of improprieties were connected to her or her husband's financial assets.
"Similarly, I have found no suggestion of any unusual financial arrangements relating to Ms Siddiq's ownership or occupation of the properties in question involving the Awami League (or its affiliated organisations) or the state of Bangladesh." – A spokesperson for Tulip Siddiq
As a prominent member of one of Bangladesh's principal political families, Siddiq has faced numerous allegations over time. Her connections have exposed her to scrutiny and accusations by association. Despite these challenges, she maintained her innocence and emphasized that no evidence substantiated the claims against her.
"No evidence has been presented for these allegations." – A spokesperson for Tulip Siddiq
In light of these developments, Siddiq announced her resignation from her ministerial role. She stated that continuing as Economic Secretary could potentially distract from the government's focus on critical issues. Her decision was met with sadness by Labour leader Keir Starmer, who accepted her resignation.
Siddiq had been tasked with tackling corruption in UK financial markets during her tenure as Economic Secretary. Her resignation marks the end of an era where she sought to bring transparency and integrity to financial governance. Despite stepping down, she remains committed to serving her constituents and upholding democratic values.