Read Rishi Sunak’s brutal letter to Nadhim Zahawi sacking him for ‘serious breach’ in full

The Prime Minister has fired Conservative chair Nadhim Zahawi over a breach of the ministerial code. 

The Government announced today that Rishi Sunak had sacked Mr Zahawi following controversy surrounding his tax affairs. 

A letter from Mr Sunak communicating his decision was released this morning, explaining the decision came following a “serious breach” of Government rules. 

In the letter, the Prime Minister said following a brief investigation, it was “clear that there has been a serious breach of the Ministerial Code”.

He wrote: “As a result, I have informed you of my decision to remove you from your position in His Majesty’s Government.”

Mr Sunak added: “When I became Prime Minister last year, I pledged that the Government I lead would have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level.”

He paid tribute to Mr Zahawi’s contribution to the Government, including his role as vaccines minister during the pandemic.

“As you leave, you should be extremely proud of your wide-ranging achievements in Government over the last five years.

“In particular, your successful oversight of the Covid-19 vaccine procurement and deployment programme which ensured the United Kingdom was at the forefront of the global response to the coronavirus pandemic.”