Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt has apologised for failing to declare a business interest on the purchase of a group of luxury flats. He is now facing calls to resign, and will likely be referred to Parliament’s sleaze watchdog over a potential breach of anti-money laundering laws.
Mr Hunt purchased seven luxury flats in Southampton and failed to notify Companies House or the register of MPs’ interests. Mr Hunt has claimed that it was an “honest administrative mistake” that was later rectified. Mr Hunt’s spokesperson has blamed an accountant, stating it was a “genuine oversight”.
Jon Trickett, Labour’s shadow Cabinet Office minister, described Hunt’s action as ‘unacceptable: “It appears Jeremy Hunt has taken part in illegal activity in his failure to declare his involvement in a luxury flat investment. “
“This is simply unacceptable and especially so given the secretary of state’s position at the heart of Theresa May’s government.”
“Labour will today refer Jeremy Hunt to the standards commissioner to look into this serious breach. He should have had the decency to refer himself rather than sweep this under the carpet.”
Meanwhile, Downing Street has insisted, in a statement that there was no breach of the ministerial code.
“Jeremy has rightly apologised for an administrative oversight, and as the Cabinet Office have made clear there has been no breach of the Ministerial Code. We consider the matter closed.”
Should Mr Hunt resign over these latest allegations? Comment your thoughts.
