NADHIM Zahawi has slammed critics after it was revealed he is being probed over his tax affairs.
The Tory leadership hopeful has now vowed to publish his accounts annually if he becomes PM.
Nadhim Zahawi last night hit out at ‘smears’ over his tax affairs
Yesterday a senior Whitehall source said the tax investigation remains “unresolved”, The Independent said.
It also claimed officials raised a “flag” over his financial affairs before he was given the keys to No11.
But today Zahawi claimed he has always paid his taxes, telling Sky News: “I was clearly being smeared.
“I was being told that the serious fraud office, the national crime agency, HMRC are looking into me.
“I’m not aware of this. I have always declared my taxes. I paid my taxes in the UK.
“I will answer any questions the HMRC has of me.
“I will go further – I’m going to make a commitment today that if I am Prime Minister I think the right thing to do is to publish my accounts annually.”
Earlier this week it was reported that officers within the NCA’s International Corruption Unit had looked at the ex- Education Secretary’s finance and tax affairs.
Investigators from HMRC, the NCA and the Serious Fraud Office have all become involved — but there is no suggestion of any wrong-doing.
The team looking into the matter are responsible for offshore tax affairs.
Mr Zahawi is running for Tory leader on the ticket of lowering taxes for individuals, families and businesses.
He is up against Rishi Sunak. The former Chancellor, who quit just nine minutes after Sajid Javid did on Tuesday, is currently the hot favourite.
He’s hoping to impress by presenting himself as being responsible with the nation’s finances.
Meanwhile Transport Minister Mr Shapps has pledged to make the UK the biggest economy in Europe by 2050.
He wants to “cut red tape” for businesses, and would take 1p off the tax rate immediately.
The latest bid for leadership came today when Penny Mordaunt announced she will run.
The Minister of State for Trade Policy – who was once voted Britain’s sexiest MP – announced she’ll run this morning.
Little is know about her policies yet, although in a video she told voters the party’s leadership “needs to become a little less about the leader” and more about “the ship”.
