UK's Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq, responsible for tackling financial crime, has referred herself to the independent ministerial standards watchdog following a series of allegations regarding her living arrangements in properties linked to the former Bangladeshi government.

This development, as reported by The Guardian, centres on claims that Tulip Siddiq resided in multiple homes connected to her aunt Sheikh Hasina, former prime minister of Bangladesh.

The minister has formally requested Laurie Magnus, UK prime minister's independent adviser on ministerial standards, to investigate whether she breached the ministerial code.

In a letter to, Tulip Siddiq wrote, "In recent weeks I have been the subject of media reporting, much of it inaccurate, about my financial affairs and my family's links to the former government of Bangladesh. I am clear that I have done nothing wrong. However, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters."

Labour Party officials confirmed that Tulip would not accompany the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, on a Treasury delegation to China this week. Instead, she will "remain behind to assist with inquiries."

The allegations focus on Tulip Siddiq's use of various properties, including a two-bedroom flat near King's Cross and a separate residence in Hampstead. According to The Financial Times, the King's Cross flat was purchased in 2001 for £195,000 by Abdul Motalif, a developer associated with figures from the Awami League. Tulip Siddiq reportedly became the flat's owner in 2004 without making any payment.

The Mail on Sunday reported that Siddiq had previously told its journalists that her parents had bought the flat and gifted it to her, prompting accusations that she misled the publication.

Further scrutiny came from The Sunday Times, which reported that Tulip Siddiq lived in a Hampstead property purchased by Moin Ghani, a lawyer who represented Hasina's government. This property was subsequently transferred to Tulip Siddiq's sister.

Additionally, Tulip currently rents a £2.1m home in East Finchley, owned by Abdul Karim, an executive member of the UK branch of the Awami League.

These revelations have reignited criticism of Tulip Siddiq's ties to her aunt's political party. She faced controversy in 2017 when she refused to address questions about Ahmad bin Quasem, a British-trained barrister imprisoned in Bangladesh. At the time, Tulip distanced herself from Hasina's government, saying, "I'm a Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, I'm a British member of parliament. Be very careful. I'm not Bangladeshi and the person you are talking about, I have no idea about their case."

According to The Guardian report, despite these revelations, Labour leader Keir Starmer has expressed confidence in Tulip Siddiq. "Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she's now done, and that's why we brought in the new code. It's to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts. And yes, I've got confidence in her, and that's the process that will now be happening."

Sheikh Hasina, once the world's longest-serving female leader, faced significant backlash for suppressing political opposition and holding elections that were boycotted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the main opposition. Hasina was forced to resign last year following widespread student-led protests against her government.