LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he would do whatever it takes to “restore integrity” when asked about the resignation of Conservative Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi over his personal tax affairs – the latest scandal involving one of his ministers.
“I will take all necessary steps to restore integrity in politics,” Sunak told reporters on Monday, the day after he fired Zahawi.
Sunak had initially assisted Zahawi before commissioning an independent adviser to look into questions about his tax affairs after Zahawi was revealed to have resolved an investigation by the UK tax authorities last year.
It is a setback for Sunak’s attempt to reset the government after a chaotic 2022 with three different British prime ministers. An investigation into alleged bullying by Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab is underway and could cause even more headaches.
Sunak answered questions from reporters on a visit to the north of England and said he had followed proper procedure regarding Zahawi.
“What I’ve done is follow a process, which is the right process. Integrity is very important to me,” he said.
(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, written by Sarah Young; edited by William James)
