The Labour minister has faced calls for an investigation following reports in The Sunday Times and the Financial Times that she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Sunday Times reported she had used a flat in Hampstead given to her teenage sister by lawyer Moin Ghani, who had represented the Hasina administration.
The Financial Times revealed she had also used an apartment in King’s Cross given to her by Abdul Motalif, another associate of members of the Awami League party in Bangladesh.
The treasury economic secretary, who has been Hampstead and Highgate since the last election after previously representing Hampstead and Kilburn, insists she has done nothing untoward.
In her letter to ministerial standards watchdog Sir Laurie, Ms Siddiq said: “In recent weeks I have been the subject of media reporting, much of it inaccurate, about my financial affairs and my family’s links to the former government of Bangladesh.
“I am clear that I have done nothing wrong.
“However, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters.
“I will obviously ensure you have all the information you need to do this.”
Sir Keir Starmer said the minister had “acted entirely properly” in referring herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus.
Sir Keir said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and, yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Ms Siddiq had been due to join a delegation heading to China with Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week, but will now stay in the UK.
A source said: “Tulip wants to be in the UK so she is available to assist the independent adviser on ministerial standards.”
Ms Siddiq’s aunt fled to India after being deposed last August following an uprising.
The former Bangladesh prime minister is facing an investigation by an anti-corruption commission in Bangladesh, with Ms Siddiq reportedly named as part of the case.
She was alleged to have been involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russia for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh in which large sums of cash are said to have been embezzled.
Shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers said there are “clear questions” for Sir Keir’s “friend and anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq to answer about allegations made about her”.
He added: “She must be held to the same standards as other ministers in his Government. Indications so far show that that may not be the case.”
