Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Labour seeks clarity on closure of Akshata Murty's investment firm

All the holdings of Catamaran Ventures have been transferred to ShareGift

Labour seeks clarity on closure of Akshata Murty's investment firm

LABOUR has raised concerns over the closure of Catamaran Ventures UK, a start-up investment firm owned by Rishi Sunak's wife, reported the BBC.

The company was wound up by Akshata Murty in December, prompting questions about its impact on government-backed businesses and other companies it holds stakes in.


The establishment of Catamaran Ventures dates back to 2013 when it was founded by the Sunak family.

Sunak relinquished his directorial role in 2015 upon assuming the position of MP, and a year later, his wife assumed the majority shareholding.

According to the report, Labour has written to deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden seeking clarification on several issues, including the payment of tax owed to HMRC and the impact on other companies linked to the government.

A spokesperson for Murty stated that a "significant donation" had been made to ShareGift, an independent UK charity, as a result of the closure.

The report added that all the holdings of Catamaran Ventures have been transferred to ShareGift, except for flower delivery start-up Bloom & Wild, which the prime minister's wife retained.

The closure of the company, reported in September and confirmed in the London Gazette on December 28, has drawn attention as an election year approaches.

Last year, Catamaran Ventures was reported to hold shares in Study Hall, an education start-up that received a government grant.

Labour's national campaign co-ordinator, Pat McFadden, has urged for continued transparency in the Register of Ministerial Interests regarding the prime minister and his wife's interests after the company's closure.

McFadden emphasised the need for transparency, especially considering the company's involvement with other businesses receiving taxpayer support.

Sunak and his wife's financial affairs came under examination when it was disclosed that Murty held non-dom status, a privilege enabling UK residents to evade paying UK taxes on earnings generated abroad.

In response to the backlash, she announced her commitment to paying UK taxes on her overseas income.

Murty, whose father established Infosys, one of India's largest companies, possesses shares in the company valued at an estimated £700 million.

More For You

Asda-Getty

Asda, which is dealing with declining sales after a private equity-led takeover, denied any discrimination.. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Asda staff move closer to £1.2 billion equal pay payout

THOUSANDS of Asda workers have won the latest stage in a long-running equal pay case, bringing them closer to a potential £1.2 blillion payout.

The Manchester employment tribunal ruled that 12 out of 14 lead claimants, part of a case involving 60,000 employees, had jobs of equal value to their higher-paid, mostly male counterparts working in Asda warehouses, The Guardian reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diageo-jw-reuters

The global beverage company is known for brands like Johnnie Walker. (Photo: Reuters)

Diageo faces challenges in life after Ivan Menezes

DIAGEO, the global beverage company known for brands like Johnnie Walker and Guinness, has encountered significant challenges following the death of CEO Sir Ivan Menezes in June 2023. Menezes, who had led the company since 2013, was succeeded by Debra Crew.

Under Crew's leadership, Diageo has faced a profits warning and adverse global consumer trends. The company's shares have declined nearly 30 per cent since her appointment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nirmala-Sitharaman-Reuters

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the annual budget on Saturday, February 1. (Photo: Reuters)

Key points from India's 2025 budget

INDIA will focus on increasing the spending power of its middle class, encouraging private investment, and promoting inclusive development, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday while presenting the annual budget.

Sitharaman said the budget for 2025-26 includes measures for the poor, youth, farmers, and women. She also highlighted "transformative reforms in taxation."

Keep ReadingShow less
Shoplifting surge costs retailers record £2.2bn

In the 12 months to September 1, 2024, a total of 45,000 cases involving violence or abuse were recorded (Photo: iStock)

Shoplifting surge costs retailers record £2.2bn

SHOPLIFTING across the UK has spiked in recent months costing stores a record £2.2 billion ($2.7bn) in losses, a leading retail organisation warned.

"Retail crime is spiralling out of control," the British Retail Consortium said in its latest annual report, adding that thieves were also becoming more violent towards staff.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nirmala-Sitharaman-Getty

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the budget speech on Saturday. (Photo: Getty Images)

What to expect from India's budget

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi's government will present the annual budget on 1 February, with a focus on economic growth, job creation, and trade policies amid global uncertainties.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the budget speech.

Keep ReadingShow less