An investigation into Rishi Sunak over his alleged failure to declare his wife's interests in a childcare firm boosted by Government funding has been extended by the parliamentary watchdog.
In a fresh blow to his leadership, the PM is now being probed over potential breaches of TWO aspects of the MPs code of conduct.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg opened the initial investigation on April 13. It was confirmed last week that it centres on shares Akshata Murty holds in agency Koru Kids, which is to be boosted by funding from the Spring Budget.
On Thursday he extended his probe and is now also looking into whether Mr Sunak broke paragraph 13 of the code of conduct, which relates to disclosing details about one of his investigations.
The Mirror previously reported that Mr Sunak failed to mention Ms Murty's links to the company when he was questioned by MPs over why the private firms were set to benefit the most.
In the budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a pilot of incentive payments of £600 for childminders joining the profession.
At a grilling by the liasion committee on why the sum doubles to £1,200 if workers sign up through an agency - including Koru Kids - Labour MP Catherine McKinnell asked if Mr Sunak had any interests to declare.
"No, all my disclosures are declared in the normal way," Mr Sunak said.
Downing Street has claimed rules were followed "to the letter", but critics said there are "serious questions" over benefits his family could get from Government actions.
Mr Greenberg opened an investigation into Mr Sunak into whether he broke paragraph six of the code of conduct: "Members must always be open and frank in declaring any relevant interest in any proceeding of the House or its Committees, and in any communications with Ministers, Members, public officials or public office holders."
He is now also looking at whether the PM broke paragraph 13: "Members must not disclose details in relation to: (i) any investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards except when required by law to do so, or authorised by the Commissioner; nor (ii) the proceedings of the Committee on Standards or the Independent Expert Panel in relation to a complaint unless required by law to do so, or authorised by the Committee or the Panel respectively."
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner, in response to the initial investigation being opened, said: "This Government's failure to update the rules or publish a register of ministers' interests in nearly a year has left a transparency black hole which is enabling the Prime Minister and those he has appointed to dodge proper scrutiny of their affairs.
"If Rishi Sunak has got nothing to hide, he should commit to publishing the register before May's elections so the public can see for themselves."
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