"So, precedent suggests this latest inquiry will take around a week. But if Sir Laurie is effectively the jury here, it is the prime minister who is the judge. In other words when he sees the adviser's report, it is on that basis that he will have to decide if it is tenable to keep Rayner on. Did she act carelessly? Did she breach the Ministerial Code? Is it credible for her to stay on?"
"In January 2023, when the then Conservative Party Chairman Nadhim Zahawi faced questions about his tax affairs, Sir Laurie was called in. Six days after his investigation began, Zahawi was out of government. Earlier this year, Sir Laurie spent eight days looking into the then Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq. She didn't survive in government afterwards either. So, precedent suggests this latest inquiry will take around a week."
Sir Laurie Magnus will examine paper records, interview Angela Rayner, and establish a detailed timeline of her actions, communications, and motives. Previous inquiries into Nadhim Zahawi and Tulip Siddiq lasted about a week and resulted in those ministers leaving government. The prime minister will review Sir Laurie's report and decide whether Rayner acted carelessly, breached the Ministerial Code, or remains credible in her role. The Conservatives have called on HMRC to investigate tax-related matters. Rayner indicated she considered resigning and has referred herself to Sir Laurie. The outcome will hinge on factual findings and the prime minister's judgment about political viability.
Read at www.bbc.com
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