The prime minister Rishi Sunak did not know if Nadhim Zahawi had any outstanding tax issues when he appointed him, policing minister Chris Philp MP told Sky News.

Mr Philp said that Mr Sunak was not aware of any tax penalty charge being demanded by HMRC from Mr Zahawi in connection with unpaid tax.

He said that Mr Sunak was standing by commitments made when he first became prime minister to run a government based on "accountability, integrity and professionalism".

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