UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fired Conservative Party Chairman Nadhim Zahawi on Sunday, the government said, after an investigation into Zahawi's tax affairs revealed a "serious breach" of ministerial rules.
"As a result, I have informed you of my decision to remove you from your position in His Majesty's Government," Sunak wrote in a publicly released letter to his Iraqi-born ally, following a scandal that cast doubt on the premier's own judgement and vows of integrity.
The government also released the inquiry report by Sunak's newly appointed independent ethics advisor, Laurie Magnus.
Magnus pulled no punches in finding that Zahawi effectively lied to successive Conservative leaders when he came under investigation by the UK's tax authority, which led to the politician handing over a fine for late payment reportedly worth £5 million ($6.2 million).
Zahawi gave shifting explanations for the affair and initially tried to silence journalists and a tax consultant with threats of libel lawsuits.
Sunak's decision to dismiss Zahawi, rather than invite him to resign with some saving of face, underlined the serious political stakes at play at a time when millions of Britons are struggling to pay the bills.
Sunak appointed Zahawi as Conservative party chairman, and cabinet minister without portfolio when he entered 10 Downing Street in October when he vowed to deliver "integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level".
Zahawi was previously in the cabinet under both Liz Truss and Boris Johnson — who appointed him as chancellor of the exchequer, in ultimate charge of the UK tax agency.
The opposition Labour party said Sunak should have fired Zahawi immediately when the allegations emerged in newspaper reports this month, rather than seeking to buy time by asking Magnus to investigate.
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