Tulip Appears In Public For First Time After Flat Scandal

Tulip Siddiq, the Economic Secretary in the UK's ruling Labour Party, reportedly received a flat in London as a gift from a real estate businessman with close ties to the Awami League.

However, two years ago, Tulip claimed that her parents had purchased the flat for her. Following this revelation, Tulip was seen in public for the first time on Thursday (January 9), with the Daily Mail reporting that she was spotted heading to the Treasury office.

According to a report by The Daily Mail, Tulip had been questioned multiple times two years ago about how she acquired the two-bedroom flat. At the time, she denied receiving it as a gift and even threatened legal action against the newspaper for raising the issue. Subsequently, the matter was not pursued further.

Downing Street has announced that an investigation by the Prime Minister's Ministerial Code Advisor will look into whether Tulip misled The Daily Mail about the flat.

A source reported that Tulip has now distanced herself from the earlier claims she made to The Daily Mail about the flat. A source from her political party, Labour, has also confirmed that the flat was not purchased by her parents, as initially claimed. Instead, it was allegedly gifted to her by a supporter of her autocratic aunt, as a token of gratitude.

The flat, located in London, has sparked significant controversy, and according to The Financial Times, Tulip, the MP for Hampstead and Highgate, may face an investigation by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA).

On January 5, Conservative MPs called on Tulip to provide a satisfactory explanation or resign from her position.

Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, stated that Tulip must clarify her previous claims about the property. If she fails to do so, her position as a minister may no longer be tenable.

A report by The Financial Times on Saturday revealed that Abdul Motalib, a real estate businessman with close ties to the Awami League, had been financially assisted by Tulip's parents during his difficult times. As an expression of gratitude, Motalib allegedly gifted a property he owned to Tulip.