UK: Conservative Party Chairman Zahawi Fired

ITNPod25Jan2023

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Facts

• Conservative party chairman Nadhim Zahawi has been sacked by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after an inquiry by an ethics advisor, Sir Laurie Magnus, found that he had been in a 'serious breach of the ministerial code.'
• Calls for Zahawi's resignation started after The Guardian reported he paid a penalty to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for unpaid taxes while serving as chancellor of the exchequer — the UK's top finance minister.
• When asked whether Zahawi should stand down during the investigation, Sunak said that the party chairman would continue in his role 'as is longstanding practice.' The Prime Minister had admitted that there were 'clearly questions that need answering' and that the independent investigation would advise him on Zahawi's compliance with the ministerial code.
• Sunak has defended his actions, arguing that he acted 'decisively' and stressed his commitment to 'integrity' and following the 'right process.' The PM's official spokesperson has denied that Zahawi's improper tax affairs were disclosed to Sunak upon his appointment.
• The report stated that Zahawi failed to declare interests prior to becoming chancellor under Boris Johnson that 'might be thought to give rise to a conflict.' The Labour Party has accused Sunak of being 'too weak' over the matter and asked for 'full transparency' surrounding when the PM became aware of the HMRC probe into Zahawi.
• Senior Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, head of the party's backbench 1922 committee, has added to the rising number who are also asking Zahawi to resign as an MP, stating that someone who had committed such a 'serious offence' should 'consider their position.'

Sources: BBC News, Politico, Sky News, Independent, and MSN.

Narratives

• Right narrative, as provided by Spectator (UK). The story of Zahawi's downfall highlights the reality of ministerial life: that once the media hounds are onto the scent of a wounded minister they will not let go until they get what they want. Zahawi's refusal to step down honorably, however, only added to the wider narrative of Tory government sleaze and distracted from Sunak's attempt to govern with integrity.
• Left narrative, as provided by Mirror. The lack of apology by Zahawi despite his sacking shows the arrogance of Tory ministers. Sunak should've sacked the ex-chairman weeks ago, and out of respect for democracy a General Election is owed to the British people so real change can finally occur.

Predictions