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Starmer’s corruption minister in spotlight over freebie property

Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images

Parliament returns on Monday – and not a moment too soon. For one of the barmy Starmer army has found themselves splashed all over the newspapers this weekend, with the Tories now scenting blood. The Financial Times reports that City Minister Tulip Siddiq was given a two-bedroom flat near King’s Cross, free of charge in 2004. It was donated by developer Abdul Motalif who is connected to Bangladesh’s Awami League party, led by Siddiq’s aunt Sheikh Hasina.

Who she you ask? Why, none other than the authoritarian premier of Bangladesh who was forced to flee from power last year, having ruled since 2009. Among Siddiq’s responsibilities is – get this – the task of tackling financial crime and corruption. And, following on from the FT’s revelation, the Sunday Times now reports that Siddiq also lived in another property on Finchley Road in Hampstead, given to her family by an ally of her aunt’s deposed regime in Bangladesh.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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