Tory Chairman Nadhim Zahawi under scrutiny over tax affairs

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Tory Chairman under pressure over tax affairsUK > PoliticsNadhim Zahawi, the Conservative Party chairman, is facing calls to resign after it emerged that he paid a multi-million pound penalty to HMRC over previously unpaid tax related to shares in YouGov, the polling firm he co-founded. The issue has prompted scrutiny of Mr Zahawi's financial affairs and an inquiry by the prime minister's independent ethics adviser.

What's happened

Nadhim Zahawi is facing calls to quit as a government minister and chairman of the Conservative Party amid a row over his taxes.

Why it matters

The story is significant as it involves a high-profile politician and chairman of the ruling party who is under scrutiny for his financial affairs. The issue has raised questions about the integrity of the Conservative Party and the government's commitment to tackling tax avoidance.

What the papers say

The Mirror characterises the story as a threat to Mr Zahawi's career and reports that Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has defied calls to sack him. The Independent highlights Mr Zahawi's compelling backstory as a child refugee who made it as an entrepreneur, but notes that his financial affairs have been in the spotlight amid claims he avoided tax. BBC News provides a detailed background on Mr Zahawi's career and upbringing, but also reports that he is facing calls to resign and an inquiry by the prime minister's independent ethics adviser.

How we got here

Mr Zahawi's multi-million pound settlement with HMRC was resolved during his brief time as chancellor last year. The issue has prompted scrutiny of his financial affairs and raised questions over the sale of shares in YouGov and whether this was taxed correctly.