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Daily Record
Politics
Andrew Quinn

Stephen Flynn calls Tories 'a parcel of rogues' over Boris Johnson and Nadhim Zahawi scandals

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has accused Rishi Sunak of protecting Boris Johnson and Nadhim Zahawi after the pair have been involved in financial scandals.

The Aberdeen South MP questioned Sunak's "integrity and accountability" during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. Flynn also called the Conservatives "a parcel of rogues" in a reference to Robert Burns' Day.

Johnson has come under scrutiny after reports claimed that the BBC Chairman Richard Sharp helped the former Prime Minister secure an £800,000 loan in 2020.

Zahawi received a payment penalty from HMRC when he was Chancellor last year. He reportedly paid £5million to settle his tax bill. Sunak has so far resisted calls to sack the Conservative Party Chairman.

Flynn mocked Sunak for the scandals during Prime Minister's Questions. He also referred to Sunak's wife's former non-domiciled (non-dom) status which he came under fire for last year. Non-dom status allows people to save millions in tax.

Flynn said: "May I ask the Prime Minister what advice would he have for individuals seeking to protect their personal finances?

"Should they seek out a future chair of the BBC to help secure an £800,000 loan? Should they set up a trust in Gibraltar and simply hope that HMRC don't notice?

"Or should they do as others have done and simply apply for non-dom status?"

Sunak replied: "I'm proud of the record of this government in supporting the most vulnerable people in society. Just this winter, helping all families [with] £900 for their energy bills, raising the National Living Wage and ensuring our pensioners get the support they need.

"That's what this government is doing to secure financial security in this country."

Flynn then called the Conservatives "a parcel of rogues", quoting Robert Burns on the 264th anniversary of his birth.

He also mentioned the sacking of Home Secretary Suella Braverman last year for breaching the ministerial code last year.

Flynn said: "I'm not sure what question the Prime Minister thought I asked, but that certainly was not it, Mr Speaker.

"Let's be clear about this. This is now a matter of the Prime Minister's own integrity and accountability.

"When there were questions about the Home Secretary in relation to national security, he chose to back her. Now the chair of the Tory party, he's choosing to back him despite a £5million penalty from HMRC. Of course, he's seeking to protect the former Prime Minister despite his cosy financial relationship with the chair of the BBC.

"Is it little wonder that people in Scotland may consider the Tory party to be a parcel of rogues?"

Sunak replied: "What I'm standing up for is proper due process. That's why we have an independent advisor. It's right that the independent adviser conducts his investigation. That's how we will ensure accountability and that's what I will deliver."

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