British daily The Times in a damning editorial has called on Sheikh Hasina’s niece, the embattled Labour MP Tulip Siddiq to step down from her role as the UK’s Treasury minister, pending investigations into allegations of corruption involving Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project and a “free flat” in London.
In the editorial, the newspaper owned by media tycoon Rupert Murdoch considers Tulip's position as Economic Secretary to the Treasury—responsible for addressing economic crime, money laundering, and illicit finance—as untenable.
It also criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer for appointing Tulip to the role as City minister.
“The Times view on questions over City minister: Siddiq Saga” expressed scepticism about Tulip’s suitability for the role of Labour’s city minister, questioning both her qualifications and potential conflicts of interest.
While casting doubt on Tulip’s qualifications, it raised concerns about whether her family connections could undermine her role's responsibilities, especially regarding financial oversight and anti-corruption.
Tulip, seen with Russian President Putin at the 2013 signing, denies wrongdoing, calling the allegations politically motivated. The Anti-Corruption Commission, or ACC, in Bangladesh has sought bank account and transaction details of the family, including Tulip's. Her allies call the claims "trumped-up charges".
The Times also pointed out that her appointment might not have been based on her expertise or interest in financial services, as the MP for Hampstead & Highgate “demonstrated little prior interest in the future of financial services in the UK, or how to ensure that the City of London remains an economic jewel”.
It added that “Tulip Siddiq was not an obvious choice to be Labour’s City minister. Sir Keir Starmer has a record of picking north London neighbours to fill key positions, whatever their political acumen or suitability.”
The editorial criticised Prime Minister Starmer for thrusting Tulip into the job, suggesting she was the wrong choice.
“In recent weeks… there have been more pertinent reasons as to why Ms Siddiq may have been an unwise choice to be economic secretary to the Treasury, with responsibility for the City and anti-corruption,” it noted.
It implied that Starmer has a tendency to appoint people from his personal or political circle. Tulip, in this case, is a fellow north London MP, rather than basing appointments solely on merit or relevant experience.
The editorial raised concerns about Tulip’s ties to her aunt, former prime minister Hasina. It viewed this connection as problematic because of allegations of financial impropriety or corruption linked to the Awami League chief. Who’s now living in exile in India.
“There has been a string of allegations about financial ties to her aunt Sheikh Hasina, the authoritarian former prime minister of Bangladesh who was ousted last year.” The editorial read.
"Scrutiny has focused on Ms Siddiq’s living arrangements and their links to Ms Hasina’s supporters. In August she was investigated by the parliamentary standards watchdog over declarations about rental income of her flat. Ms Siddiq was cleared and apologised for an “administrative oversight”.
“It was then revealed that the minister was renting out her property after moving into a £2 million house owned by a political ally of Ms Hasina.
“It also transpired that Ms Siddiq had lived in two other properties gifted to her family, including a two-bedroom King’s Cross flat given to Ms Siddiq, without payment, by a property developer with political links to Ms Hasina.
“The minister has also lived in a Hampstead flat gifted to her sister by another ally of Ms Hasina’s regime. She denies any of her properties are linked to support for her aunt’s Awami League party.”
The ACC is now investigating whether Tulip’s family embezzled £3.9 billion from infrastructure projects, including the Russian-funded Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project.
However, the Times commented, it is possible that Tulip is being ensnared by her aunt’s political rivals.
“After all, she cannot choose her relatives and should not be judged on Ms Hasina’s atrocious record of alleged deaths of protesters, embezzlement, corruption and civil rights infringements.
It said Tulip faces ethics probes for not distancing from her supporters' influence. She has referred herself to Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent advisor on ministerial standards, to review if she disclosed her family’s financial and political links when appointed in July.
“But the minister has not run away from the influence of her supporters. The result is that Ms Siddiq is facing ethics probes at home and abroad.
“At a critical moment for the economy, with growth stalling, Ms Siddiq cannot do her job. She will not attend a forthcoming trade mission to China. She is also unable to appear in the media, as questions about her finances would dominate.”
According to The Times, with the UK economy facing challenges, including stalled growth, Tulip's ability to focus on her portfolio is compromised.
“At a critical moment for the economy, with growth stalling, Ms Siddiq cannot do her job. She will not attend a forthcoming trade mission to China. She is also unable to appear in the media, as questions about her finances would dominate.”
It turned up the heat on Bangladesh’s independence architect Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s granddaughter, saying: “While all this controversy envelops Ms Siddiq she is unable to fulfil her ministerial duties. It is a situation worthy of Yes Minister to have an anti-corruption minister accused of corruption.
The Times wrapped up its commentary with clear suggestions to resolve the issue swiftly to protect the Labour government’s focus and credibility.
“The only sensible course is for Ms Siddiq to stand aside while the investigations proceed. If she is cleared, a path is paved for her to return to government. But if she remains in post, it will continue to be a needless distraction for Sir Keir.”
The alternative, it proposed, is equally straightforward.
“The prime minister has viable options for substituting her, such as Emma Reynolds, a fellow Treasury minister who has intimate knowledge of the City”, asserting that “This vital portfolio cannot be left wanting any longer.”
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