Why Sheikh Hasina's niece Tulip Siddiq quit as UK minister
What's the story
Tulip Siddiq, the United Kingdom's anti-corruption minister and niece of deposed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has resigned from her government post. Siddiq's resignation comes amid growing calls for her to resign over alleged involvement in corruption investigations concerning her family. In a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Siddiq said she had acted with "full transparency" and that her family connections were public knowledge.
Resignation details
Siddiq's resignation amid family-linked corruption investigations
Siddiq stressed her loyalty to the Labor government and its agenda of "national renewal and transformation." She said that although an independent review found no breach of the Ministerial Code, she resigned to prevent distracting the government. "After extensive consultation with officials, I was advised to state in my declaration of interest that my aunt is the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and to recuse myself from matters relating to Bangladesh to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest."
Twitter Post
Read her full letter here
An independent review has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code and there is no evidence to suggest I have acted improperly.
— Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) January 14, 2025
Nonetheless, to avoid distraction for the Government, I have resigned as City Minister.
Here is my full letter to the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/kZeWZfEsei
Corruption probe
Allegations and investigations surrounding Siddiq's family
The controversy erupted after Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission launched a probe into alleged land grabs by Siddiq's family. Hasina, Siddiq, and other family members were also targets of the commission's probe into allegations of $5 billion embezzlement related to a Russian-funded nuclear power facility. A Sunday Times report revealed that Siddiq resided in a London flat associated with Bangladeshi businessmen, which was subsequently gifted to a lawyer associated with Hasina's regime.
Property scrutiny
Siddiq's family under scrutiny over London properties
The report also stated that Siddiq and her family were given or used many other London residences purchased by members or allies of the Awami League party. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch slammed Starmer for appointing Siddiq despite these allegations. Meanwhile, her aunt, Hasina, continues to stay in India after fleeing Bangladesh and defying extradition requests over charges including mass murder.
Successor announced
Emma Reynolds appointed as Siddiq's replacement
Prime Minister Starmer has accepted her resignation, noting there was "no evidence of financial improprieties" on her part. Starmer thanked Siddiq for her cooperation with the investigation and left the door open for her return in the future. Emma Reynolds has been appointed as Siddiq's replacement as Economic Secretary to the Treasury.