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NEWS STORY : Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to be Investigated by Parliamentary Watchdog

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Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, is under investigation by Parliament’s Standards Watchdog over allegations that he failed to disclose shares owned by his wife in a childcare firm. The investigation was launched after it was revealed that the childcare firm received a boost from the 2023 budget presented by Sunak, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

The Parliamentary Standards Watchdog is an independent body responsible for ensuring that Members of Parliament adhere to the code of conduct for MPs. The watchdog investigates allegations of breaches of the code, which includes conflicts of interest, and can recommend disciplinary action. The investigation into Sunak’s undeclared shares is ongoing, and the outcome is yet to be determined.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said:

“The Prime Minister has set out in his response to the Liaison Committee that he is confident the appropriate process has been followed to avoid or mitigate any potential conflict of interest, and that the interest of ministers’ spouses or partners is not something that would influence their actions either as ministers or as members of Parliament”.

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, asked on Twitter “what’s Rishi Sunak got to hide?”.

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Angela Rayner’s Comments