A former High Sheriff of Kent exposed as the wife of a fraudster who cheated the Inland Revenue out of millions, says she should be treated on her own merits.

Nadra Ahmed, a leading social campaigner and joint boss of the Medway-based National Care Association (NCA), hit the headlines last week for being married to a former accountant who went to prison for his part in stealing £6.9 million in tax and insurance contributions.

The story comes at a time when she is leading a campaign to persuade the government to spare care homes from tax increase announced in last autumn’s Budget.

The 67-year-old has always maintained having no knowledge of husband Aquil’s wrongdoing, and says she should be allowed to continue to carry out her high-profile career untarnished.

She told KentOnline: “My campaigning has always focused on ensuring care providers and frontline care workers are not penalised by policies that undermine their ability to deliver essential services.

“My professional advocacy stands entirely on its own and is rooted in sector-wide need, not personal circumstances.”

“I had no involvement in the matter and no knowledge of the offences at the time. It is not appropriate to attribute responsibility to me for something I neither participated in nor benefited from.”

Mrs Ahmed, who has twice been recognised in the honours list, said the story published in The Times newspaper had caused her considerable upset.

“There has been a significant amount of stress and intrusion, both personally and professionally,” she said.

“Revisiting this issue after nearly 10 years has caused distress to me and to those close to me, despite the fact I have no connection to the wrongdoing in question.

“Personally, it has been extremely difficult. Professionally, it has caused unnecessary distraction from important work in the care sector.

“The scrutiny has felt targeted and disproportionate, especially not being involved in the original matter.”

Mr Ahmed was described as the mastermind of the crime, which funded a lavish lifestyle including expensive cars, properties abroad and exotic holidays for himself and his accomplice.

His spouse, who lives with him in West Malling, believed their luxury living was financed by their personal incomes.

In March 2023, she was appointed to the ceremonial role of High Sheriff making her responsible for upholding law and order in the county on behalf of King Charles.

Speaking about her husband’s crimes, Mrs Ahmed was adamant she was nominated in recognition of her personal achievements over her 36-year career.

And she believed that during the lengthy selection process, which can take several years, those who needed to know would have been aware.

She said she had carried out the job on her own with her husband supporting her as an official consort on “about a couple of occasions”.

Mrs Ahmed, who is also a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent, was awarded an OBE in 2006 and appointed a CBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours List for her services to social care.

She said: “What happened was a long time ago. I was not previously aware of any disquiet.

“I carried out the role of High Sheriff by myself. I’m passionate about what I do and am fully aware this is an important role in the county.”

Mrs Ahmed became chairman of the NCA in 2010 and is currently co-executive chairman.

There has been a significant amount of stress and intrusion, both personally and professionally…

She is also a trustee of Royal British Legion Industries in Aylesford and is a Kent Ambassador – a person selected to help all aspects of life in the country.

She is also patron of the Kent Autism Trust.

Mr Ahmed, 69, and Victor Shearer, were jailed in October 2016 for their part in fraudulent payroll schemes that took £6.9 million from HMRC in VAT, income tax, National Insurance contributions and construction industry scheme deductions.