UK Labour Party minister Tulip Siddiq is facing mounting allegations of corruption, putting her political career at risk. Reports suggest that Siddiq may be dismissed from her ministerial position if she does not voluntarily resign. The situation has sparked controversy, with both internal and external demands for her to step down.

According to The Times, Downing Street is reportedly exploring potential replacements for Siddiq as Economic Secretary to the Treasury. Her alleged links to corruption in Bangladesh, involving her aunt and former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have raised questions about her position. Siddiq, however, has denied the allegations and called for an investigation by the UK Prime Minister’s ethics watchdog. Despite this, the Labour Party leadership appears uncomfortable with the growing scrutiny surrounding her.

Siddiq, a long-standing UK resident and Labour MP, currently serves in a role that includes overseeing measures to curb financial corruption in the UK. However, recent investigations into corruption in Bangladesh have implicated members of her family, raising doubts about her suitability for her ministerial responsibilities.

Citing high-ranking sources, The Times reported that senior officials in Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s administration are monitoring the situation closely. The allegations stem from Siddiq’s alleged connections to Sheikh Hasina’s administration and claims of receiving properties as favors. Reports have highlighted Siddiq’s ownership of two properties in London, one of which was allegedly gifted by a Bangladeshi businessman with ties to Hasina’s government. Another property is said to have come indirectly through family connections.

Siddiq has so far retained the public support of Keir Starmer, who has declared his confidence in her. However, Starmer’s stance has fueled political debate in the UK, with some questioning his decision to back Siddiq amid serious allegations. Speculation about the depth of their political relationship has added a layer of intrigue to the controversy. The Telegraph published a photograph showing Starmer and Siddiq celebrating Labour’s election victory together, portraying their close association.

The controversy around Siddiq has been compounded by reports of alleged impropriety involving her family’s properties. According to the UK Land Registry, Siddiq received a flat in London’s King’s Cross area in 2004 as a gift from a Bangladeshi real estate businessman, Abdul Motalef, without any financial transaction. Another property linked to Siddiq’s sister, Azmina Siddiq, was reportedly gifted by a lawyer connected to Sheikh Hasina’s government. Documents reveal that the second property, located in Hampstead, was registered under Azmina’s name in 2009, when she was 18 years old and beginning her studies at Oxford University.

Critics have pointed out that Siddiq listed the Hampstead property as her residence in official documents, including during her tenure as a director at Working Men’s College in 2012. These revelations have further fueled concerns about her transparency and ethical conduct.

Amid the controversy, The Telegraph has also highlighted Siddiq’s role in supporting Starmer’s political ascent. Siddiq publicly endorsed Starmer as Labour leader in 2020, and her backing reportedly played a significant role in rallying support from Labour Friends of Bangladesh, a key party faction. Their political alliance dates back to 2014, when Siddiq supported Starmer’s campaign to enter Parliament.

Despite the growing allegations, Starmer has not publicly commented on the property-related accusations. However, sources close to his administration suggest that informal discussions about potential successors for Siddiq’s ministerial role have taken place. While Downing Street has officially denied these claims, speculation about Siddiq’s future continues to dominate political discourse.

The issue has drawn widespread attention in the UK, with many questioning how Siddiq can effectively lead efforts to combat financial corruption while facing allegations of benefitting from questionable property dealings. Calls for her resignation have grown louder, but Siddiq maintains her innocence and insists she will cooperate with any investigation to clear her name.

Meanwhile, Siddiq’s family connections to Sheikh Hasina have added complexity to the matter. The former Bangladeshi Prime Minister, now in exile following her ousting in a mass uprising, is facing legal action for alleged corruption and abuse of power during her tenure. Siddiq’s association with Hasina and the political controversies surrounding her family have only intensified scrutiny in the UK.

As the Labour Party navigates this sensitive issue, Starmer’s steadfast support for Siddiq is being closely watched. His reputation for strict governance and ethics has come under question, with some suggesting that his personal ties to Siddiq may be influencing his decisions.

For now, Siddiq’s political future remains uncertain. The allegations have cast a shadow over her ministerial career, raising questions about the Labour Party’s handling of the matter and its broader implications for the government’s integrity.