A PETITION is calling for the de-selection of Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi ahead of the next general election.
The online petition, set up by Stratford resident John Clayton a week ago, has attracted over 300 signatures so far and calls on local Conservatives to de-select Mr Zahawi as their parliamentary candidate following recent “controversies”.
These include his tax affairs, expenses claim for his energy bills and, it is claimed, for not working for the local interest.
The 56 year-old was sacked from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet for a ‘serious breach of the Ministerial Code’ related to his tax affairs in January last year.
The sacking followed an investigation by the PM’s ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus after it emerged Mr Zahawi had paid a seven-figure settlement, including a penalty, to HMRC for tax avoidance.
Sir Laurie found Mr Zahawi had been in breach of the ministerial code on seven occasions by failing to declare his tax affairs and denying media reports he was under investigation by HMRC.
Mr Zahawi maintained from the outset that he acted properly, and that his tax error was “careless and not deliberate”.
Following the conclusion of the inquiry he voiced his commitment to the constituency, pledging to “make sure that I am as good a member of parliament as I can be for the people of Stratford”.
In 2013 it emerged taxpayers were paying for the electricity supply to his stables after Mr Zahawi put in a £5,822 expenses claim for his energy bills. At the time he said he was “mortified” to discover the error.
It came to light he was the worst offender among politicians criticised over subsidised energy bills.
Mr Clayton said Stratford deserved political candidates who were beyond reproach.
He continued: “Nadhim Zahawi’s involvement in controversies, such as his expenses claims scandal in 2013, is not indicative of the integrity we expect from our representatives.
“Furthermore, his voting record shows a lack of alignment with local interests on key issues like education funding and environmental protection.
“We are not calling for this action out of partisan bias but out of concern for the quality and integrity of representation we receive at a national level. We believe it is time for change; it is time to demand better.
“Therefore, we call upon the Conservative Party to de-select Nadhim Zahawi as their candidate for Stratford-on-Avon in the next General Election. We urge fellow citizens who share these concerns to sign this petition and make your voices heard.”
Mr Zahawi has been approached for comment.
The petition can be seen at https://www.change.org/p/demand-the-de-selection-of-nadhim-zahawi-as-stratford-on-avon-s-conservative-candidate
