Nadhim Zahawi ridiculed over tweet as people say he should be …
Under-fire local MP Nadhim Zahawi was bombarded with stinging criticism after a social media post about a recent visit to Birmingham Airport. The former Chancellor, who faced calls to quit the Commons earlier this year when he became embroiled in a scandal over unpaid tax, tweeted about a trip to the international airport.
The Stratford MP was there for 'a briefing on its plans for the future'. "Its strategy is to become a net zero carbon airport by 2033 and the good news for my constituents is the next generation passenger security hall opens in June 2024," he said.
But the tweet opened the floodgates for a fierce rebuke from social media users who called into question his commitment as a public servant as well as his integrity as a politician and his personal financial affairs.
"I’ve an idea….. How about you spend some time in your constituency office, replying to emails from your constituents instead of wasting time on photo ops," one said. "Birmingham airport is NOT in your constituency."
"Hope you paid for your car parking, pity you didn't get on a one way ticket out - that's what happens to people who avoid paying tax!!" Another said quite simply: "I don't trust you."
Mr Zahawi was appointed Chancellor on July 5 last year after Rishi Sunak stepped down in protest at the government's direction under beleaguered former Prime Minster Boris Johnson. But the Iraqi-born politician lasted only two months in post, making way for Kwasi Kwarteng on September 6 when Liz Truss assembled her Cabinet.
The 46-year-old MP earned another promotion in October when he was made Chairman of the Conservative Party[2] and Minister without portfolio upon Mr Sunak's ascent to the premiership.
But those roles also proved short-lived and he was dismissed in January after a new report on Mr Zahawi's personal financial arrangements and declarations identified seven breaches of the Ministerial Code. In response to his airport post, one disgruntled reader said: "You should have spoken to HMRC Rumble, they know how to deal with Evaders!!"
Another said: "Imagine the shame they must have felt having their photograph taken." Another asked: "I wonder if you'll spend so much time in the area after May elections."
"Bhx are introducing fines for tax avoiding citizens allegedly providing a service to the good people of Stratford Upon Avon," one Twitter[3] user said. "Did you go to duty free? Apparently you don’t pay taxes," another joked.
A number of people took issue with the 'net zero' reference. "Did you tell them it will be closed by 2050?" another Twitter user wrote. "As per the net zero policies that you fully support. Remember?
"If not please read the official net zero websites to remind yourself." Mr Zahawi will bid to hold on to his seat at Westminster after being re-selected last month as the Conservative candidate for Stratford at the next general election.
Mr Zahawi has been approached for comment.
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References
- ^ Warwickshire Police has 'lowest rate of rape conviction' in the UK (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Conservative Party (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Twitter (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Warwickshire (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ daily newsletter. (data.reachplc.com)