Through investigating the tax lawsuit against Zahawi, Sunak found that the party chairman had committed a serious violation of the ministerial law.

– As a result, I have informed you of my decision to remove you from your position in His Majesty’s government, the prime minister wrote in a public letter to Zahawi on Sunday.

The background is claims of millions

Zahawi said he had been in conflict with the tax authorities over his shareholding in YouGov, the polling agency he co-founded.

The dispute concerns firm tax demands, which according to Zahawi occurred because of his carelessness, not because of his intention to avoid taxes.

Several British media have reported that there is talk of a tax claim, as well as subsequent fines totaling more than NOK 60 million.

Resolving conflicts under Johnson

However, the dispute was resolved when Zahawi became finance minister between July and September last year, during Boris Johnson’s final weeks as prime minister. This begs the question.

– I chose to settle the case and pay what they said was due, so that I can focus on my life as a civil servant, said the statement from Zahawi.

On Monday, Sunak asked his adviser Laurie Magnus to look into the matter to determine whether the party chairman complied with the minister’s actions.

Stab the media in a letter to Sunak

In a letter to Sunak after it became known that the chairman had been removed from office, Zahawi wrote that it had been his lifelong privilege to serve the government, reports Sky News.

He also expressed concern about media behavior and questioned any mention of “legitimate surveillance of public officials”. He was referring to a headline that said “sewer loops getting tighter”.

Furthermore, he apologized to the family for the burden of the case on the family.

Zahawi also wrote that Sunak believed he would support the prime minister.

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– Weak

The opposition argued that Sunak should immediately fire Zahawi rather than “buy time” by asking his advisers to investigate Zahawi. The scandal only confirms that Sunak is a “weak” prime minister, Labor politician Bridget Phillipson told Sky News.

However, Progress Minister Michael Gove believes that Sunak has handled the case well.

– I think it reflects his determination to make sure that people are treated fairly, that the government prioritizes action, Gove told the BBC.