Nadhim Zahawi responded to claims that he is under investigation for his financial dealings by asserting that he was ‘obviously being maligned’ after starting his Tory leadership campaign.
After receiving a “flag” from civil officials, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is apparently looking into the new Chancellor’s tax affairs.
The founder of the polling company YouGov, a 55-year-old, refuted the allegations yesterday night and vowed to “not apologise for being a successful businessman” in the process.
It followed Sajid Javid’s apparent jab at his affluent competitors, who suggested that leadership hopefuls should be “transparent” about their tax affairs if they wanted to become Prime Minister.
Mr. Zahawi responded to the accusations by saying to Sky News: “I was obviously being maligned.” toldI was informed that I am under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, the National Crime Agency, and HMRC. I don’t know about this. I’ve always paid and delivered my taxes to the UK.
The former businessman, whose estimated net worth is £100 million, continued, “I will respond to any inquiries HMRC may have.” But I’ll continue on. If I become prime minister, I’m going to swear to publish my financial statements once a year.
It followed Sajid Javid’s apparent jab at his affluent competitors, who suggested that leadership hopefuls should be “transparent” about their tax affairs if they wanted to become Prime Minister.
Mr. Zahawi responded to the accusations by saying to Sky News: “I was obviously being maligned.” I was informed that I am under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, the National Crime Agency, and HMRC. I don’t know about this. I’ve always paid and delivered my taxes to the UK.
The former businessman, whose estimated net worth is £100 million, continued, “I will respond to any inquiries HMRC may have.” But I’ll continue on. If I become prime minister, I’m going to swear to publish my financial statements once a year.
He added: ‘When a country gives you as much as it has given me, you can never truly repay it. But I will do everything in my power to try.’
HMRC declined to comment on the alleged investigation as the authority does not go into the details of individual taxpayers.
Mr Zahawi’s business history has come under increased scrutiny since his appointment as Chancellor last week in Mr Johnson’s tumultuous Cabinet collapse.
He accepted the job as Chancellor after Rishi Sunak resigned from the post citing concerns over Mr Johnson’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis and numerous political scandals.