The boss of Revenue & Customs (HMRC), which is to oversee an inquiry into the so-called Panama Papers, was a partner at a top City law firm that acted for Blairmore Holdings and other offshore companies named in the leak, according to a report.
In what is a further embarrassment for the Government, it was revealed that Edward Troup, executive chair of HMRC since April, is a former partner at Simmons & Simmons, whose clients have included the Panama-registered fund created by David Cameron’s father, Ian, The Guardian reported.
Mr Cameron announced at the weekend that HMRC would be working with the National Crime Agency to lead a "world-class" taskforce to investigate allegations of tax dodging and money laundering brought to light by the leak of 11.5 million files from the Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca.
A unit with initial funding of £10m is being set up, which will also bring together specialists from the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority.
Responding to The Guardian’s report, an HMRC spokesman told Sky News: "Before joining the Civil Service in 2004, Edward Troup had a successful career in the private sector, during the course of which he dealt with many companies.
"He can confirm that he never had any dealings with Mossack Fonseca, was unaware of the company until recently, and that none of the individuals or organisations named so far were clients that he advised.
"Edward Troup's role in HMRC has never involved responsibility for operational activities or direct dealings with companies on their tax affairs
"Any inquiry must be fully independent and in public.
"Having this proposed taskforce reporting to the Chancellor and Home Secretary, who are members of a political party whose donors are implicated, is a non-runner.
"The Government's inadequate plans will fail to win back the trust of the public."
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