LOC13:13
10:13 GMT
LONDON, Jan 29 (KUNA) -- British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dismissed Sunday conservative party chair Nadhim Zahawi over tax affairs.
In a letter addressed to Zahawi and published by local media outlets, Sunak stated that there was a "serious breach" of the ministerial code, adding that this came after ethics adviser Laurie Magnus' conclusion.
The Tory chair had been under immense pressure over the past few days to submit his resignation after it had been made apparent that he was forced to pay millions of pounds of taxes as well as a tax avoidance fine.
Zahawi defended himself by saying that this was not deliberate but rather a result of miscalculation. However, the General Director of HM Revenue and Customs declared two days ago that financial fines are not imposed on those who make unintentional mistakes.
Since his election in the House of Commons, Zahawi worked in several ministerial positions including the Treasury. (end)
mrn.aai