Revealed: The damning probe into Zahawi’s tax affairs that led to his departure

Rishi Sunak has sacked Nadhim Zahawi over his tax affairs and a ‘serious breach’ of the ministerial code. The PM had asked Laurie Magnus, the independent adviser on ministers’ interests, to probe the Tory chairman. Here is his conclusion which was released this morning and led to Sunak’s decision to fire Zahawi:

Dear Prime Minister,

1. You have asked me to review the circumstances and facts concerning certain tax affairs of the Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi, Minister without Portfolio, and that I assess these circumstances in the context of Mr Zahawi’s obligations under the Ministerial Code.
2. This report sets out relevant facts that I have established whilst respecting Mr Zahawi’s right to taxpayer confidentiality. It provides my assessment of the Minister’s conduct under the Ministerial Code, both in terms of its specific provisions and its overriding principles.
3. I should acknowledge that the Minister without Portfolio has provided his full and open cooperation in assisting with my inquiries.