Tulip Siddiq’s constituents have raised concerns about her suitability to continue as their local MP following her resignation as Treasury minister.
The Hampstead and Highgate MP had to quit her post earlier this month amid corruption claims that she has denied.
The allegations centre on Siddiq’s financial connections with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina, ousted last year following widespread protests over corruption, is under investigation by Bangladesh’s anti-corruption commission.
Siddiq’s resignation came amidst growing discontent among constituents over what some say is a lack of engagement in local matters.
In a statement on X, Siddiq said: “An independent review has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code and there is no evidence to suggest I have acted improperly. Nonetheless, to avoid distraction for the Government, I have resigned as City Minister.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed support for Siddiq and said “the door remains open for you going forward.”
Some locals remain unconvinced.
Jonathan Livingstone, an independent candidate who ran against Siddiq in the 2024 general election, was critical of what he claimed to be her lack of engagement during the campaign
He said: “She didn’t attend any hustings in the constituency.”
He added: “There could be more focus on constituency matters.”
Another local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, echoed these frustrations.
They said: “She was up and down the country campaigning for other MPs, but we don’t see her around here anymore. For years, she hasn’t been present in the community.”
Another constituent, who did not want to be named, emphasized the gravity of the allegations Siddiq faces abroad.
“Whether she’s an MP or not is irrelevant compared to the charges she might face from the Bangladesh anti-corruption committee,” he said.
Some constituents feel the situation has done damage to Siddiq’s standing in the local area.
One resident said: “The mood has really changed.
“If she ever ran here again, I don’t think she’d get re-elected.”
The North West Londoner contacted Siddiq’s office for comment.
Picture credit: Cosmiccomicfox via Unsplash
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