The boss of HMRC has suggested Nadhim Zahawi did not make an "innocent error" amid a toxic row over the Tory Chairman's tax affairs.
The comments come as the Cabinet minister clings to his role in Government after Rishi Sunak ordered an investigation by his ethics adviser.
Yesterday the Prime Minister was forced to endure mockery in the Commons and was branded "hopelessly weak" for failing to sack the senior Tory.
