According to British media, the head of government did not disclose a conflict of interest when he proposed reforming childcare. It turns out that his wife’s firm will benefit from changes in the budget.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been the subject of an investigation by the parliamentary abuse committee for allegedly not declaring a conflict of interest. It was reported Monday 17 April in the British online edition of The Independent.
The British prime minister was questioned after it was revealed that a childcare agency co-owned by his wife, Akshata Murthy, would benefit from changes in budget policy.
It was reported that the prime minister did not mention his wife’s interest when he spoke of childcare reforms at a parliamentary committee meeting last month.
According to British media, on Monday, Parliament’s Standards Commissioner said the prime minister was being investigated for possible failure to declare an interest.
A source in Downing Street confirmed to reporters that the investigation was about the child care agency Koru Kids. It is noted that this is not the first time the investigation has placed the financial situation and business interests of Prime Minister Akshtata Murti’s wife at the center of her husband’s political interest.
Hundreds of millions of heirs and venture capitalists have come under fire after The Independent announced last year that it was evading taxes by becoming a nonprofit. He later renounced this status after revelations aroused anger.
While speaking at a Liaison Committee hearing last month, Sunak was asked about potential conflicts of interest regarding the budget. When asked if Labor MP Katherine McKinnell had anything to report, she said: “No, all my details have been disclosed as usual.”
Koru Kids is one of six private childcare institutions consulted in the pilot as part of the government’s announced childcare reform budget.
Location of Rishi Sunak
In his letter to the Liaison Committee dated April 4, 2023, Sunak noted that he expressed his interest correctly and that there should be no problem.
“I see news in the media about my wife’s minority stake in Koru Kids. The Commission asked me questions in her capacity as prime minister. I would like to explain to the parliamentary minutes that this interest was correctly expressed in the minutes. Cabinet Office. The latest list of ministry interests will be published soon by independent adviser Sir Laurie Magnus. ,” Sunak said in a statement.
Recall, on March 20, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that Chinese President Xi Jinping should use his state visit to Moscow to urge President Vladimir Putin to “stop bombing Ukrainian cities, hospitals and schools.”
Earlier on February 24, Sunak demanded the provision of a fourth-generation Typhoon multi-role fighter to the Ukrainian army, despite the resistance of the head of the Ministry of Defense Ben Wallace.
Source: Focus
Bridger is a political journalist at 24 News Breaker, covering the Politics section with over 5 years of experience. Known for their detail-oriented reporting, Bridger delivers insightful and engaging analysis on political issues.