Nadhim Zahawi sacked as Tory chairman for ‘serious breach’ of ministerial code

Rishi Sunak “looks weak” despite sacking Nadhim Zahawi from his role as Conservative Party chairman, a former minister has said.

The Prime Minister dismissed Mr Zahawi on Sunday morning after Sir Laurie Magnus, his ethics adviser, found he committed a “serious breach of the Ministerial Code” over his taxes.

Mr Zahawi came under fire after it emerged he settled an estimated £4.8 million bill with HMRC during his time as chancellor last summer, and Sir Laurie concluded that he had committed seven separate breaches of the Code.

Speaking to Camilla Tominey Today, the GB News programme hosted by The Telegraph’s Associate Editor, Michael Portillo said the episode represented a “terrific blow against the Government” and that Mr Sunak “had an opportunity to get rid of him earlier” following the revelation Mr Zahawi paid a penalty to HMRC.

“It pains me to say this, but I think on the whole it makes Rishi look weak,” Mr Portillo said. “I think he must have been kicking himself all week that he decided to refer this to an investigation rather than going with a decision straight away.”

Separately, Mr Zahawi is planning to stay on as the MP for Stratford-on-Avon after his sacking by Rishi Sunak, The Telegraph has learned.

Asked if his scandal-hit colleague should stay in Parliament, Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary, told Times Radio: “I don’t think Nadhim should resign as an MP, absolutely not.”