UK PM Sunak under investigation by parliament standards watchdog over wife's shares in childcare firm

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being investigated by the country’s parliament standards watchdog over his wife’s shares in a childcare firm, The probe would determine whether Sunak properly declared his wife’s shareholding in a childcare firm that would be benefiting from a new government policy.

The British Parliament’s Commissioner for Standards launched the investigation into a “declaration of interest” of Sunak on April 13. The probe comes amidst concerns by the opposition parties following media reports that Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murthy, was a shareholder in a company that would benefit from the government’s support for the childcare sector that was announced in the budget back in March. Sunak’s spokesperson confirmed the reports and said they are willing to provide clarification.

Sunak and Murthy are considered the wealthiest occupants of 10 Downing Street. They have come under fire over Murthy’s “non-domiciled” tax status, which meant she did not pay tax in the United Kingdom on her overseas earnings during Sunak’s time as finance minister. Murthy gave up the status and said she would pay British tax on her global income.

Should the investigation find a breach, the commissioner will require Sunak to issue an apology and establish measures to prevent such a violation from happening again or refer him to a committee that has the power to expel him from parliament. The probe also comes amidst Sunak’s pledge to lead a government with integrity “at every level” when he took office in October.

The deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party Angela Rayner, said Sunak should publish an updated register of ministerial interests before the municipal elections, which take place next month.

Last week, Sunak held a meeting with US President Joe Biden as the two leaders talked about the “incredible economic opportunities” for Northern Ireland, describing the UK and the United States as “very close partners.” Sunak met Biden during the US leader’s visit to the region to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement

“I know he shares my ambition to see institutions here back up and running, that’s what people and businesses in Northern Ireland deserve,” said Sunak.