RISHI Sunak is under investigation from Parliament’s sleaze-buster over a possible breach of the MPs’ code.
The PM’s wife is a shareholder in a childcare agency that could benefit from the government’s expansion of free places.
Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy
Rishi Sunak this morning in London
Mr Sunak insisted he disclosed the information to the Cabinet Office – but Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg has now opened a probe for potentially failing to declare the interest.
No 10 spokesperson has said: “We are happy to assist the Commissioner to clarify how this has been transparently declared as a Ministerial interest.”
Companies House lists Akshata Murthy as a shareholder in childcare organisation Koru Kids.
Concerns had been raised whether the firm would boost business through the PM’s recently announced childcare package.
Mr Sunak is dramatically expanding free childcare provision so one and two-year-olds also get 30 hours free each week.
The Lib Dems have been calling for an inquiry saying it raises “serious questions”.
In a letter to Liaison Committee chair Sir Bernard Jenkin, Mr Sunak says: “I note that there has been some media coverage relating to the minority stake my wife has in relation to the company Koru Kids.
“I would like to clarify for the Parliamentary record that this interest has rightly been declared to the Cabinet Office.”
He added that it will appear on the list of ministerial interests to be published shortly.
Sir Keir Starmer was previously investigated over the same breach for failing to declare footie tickets on his register of interests.
The Standards Commissioner can recommend sanctions up to a permanent Commons ban but this is only in extreme cases.
