Menu
02/10/2006
Tory donors quizzed in cash-for-honours probe
Four Conservative party donors have been questioned by police investigating the cash-for-honours allegations, it has emerged.
According to a report in 'The Times', multimillionaire businessman Robert Edmiston was questioned under caution by police as part of the investigation.
Mr Edmiston lent the Conservatives £2 million before the general election last year, but later converted the loan to a donation.
His nomination for a peerage was one of those blocked by the House of Lords Appointments Commission in the summer, along with the four businessmen who made secret loans to the Labour party and whose nominations triggered the investigation. However, Mr Edmiston's peerage was blocked because of tax issues.
Scotland Yard has interviewed 13 Conservative party supporters who had lent the party £16 million collectively, when the investigation was launched. Others questioned in connection with the investigation include Lord Laidlaw, former party treasurer Lord Ashcroft and Swedish sports equipment tycoon Johan Eliasch.
Last week it emerged that a senior Downing Street aide had been questioned by police in connection with the investigation. According to reports, Ruth Turner, the director of government relations for Number 10, was questioned about e-mails and documents related to the inquiry.
Three people have been arrested in the investigation so far: Des Smith, a former government advisor to the City Academy programme, Labour's chief fund-raiser Lord Levy and Sir Christopher Evans, the head of Biotech, who lent the Labour party £1 million before the last general election. All three have denied doing anything wrong.
The investigation is expected to be concluded by the end of October, when the reports will be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.
(KMcA/SP)
According to a report in 'The Times', multimillionaire businessman Robert Edmiston was questioned under caution by police as part of the investigation.
Mr Edmiston lent the Conservatives £2 million before the general election last year, but later converted the loan to a donation.
His nomination for a peerage was one of those blocked by the House of Lords Appointments Commission in the summer, along with the four businessmen who made secret loans to the Labour party and whose nominations triggered the investigation. However, Mr Edmiston's peerage was blocked because of tax issues.
Scotland Yard has interviewed 13 Conservative party supporters who had lent the party £16 million collectively, when the investigation was launched. Others questioned in connection with the investigation include Lord Laidlaw, former party treasurer Lord Ashcroft and Swedish sports equipment tycoon Johan Eliasch.
Last week it emerged that a senior Downing Street aide had been questioned by police in connection with the investigation. According to reports, Ruth Turner, the director of government relations for Number 10, was questioned about e-mails and documents related to the inquiry.
Three people have been arrested in the investigation so far: Des Smith, a former government advisor to the City Academy programme, Labour's chief fund-raiser Lord Levy and Sir Christopher Evans, the head of Biotech, who lent the Labour party £1 million before the last general election. All three have denied doing anything wrong.
The investigation is expected to be concluded by the end of October, when the reports will be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 September 2006
Downing Street aide quizzed on 'cash-for-honours' affair
A senior advisor to Prime Minister Tony Blair has been questioned by police investigating the alleged cash-for-honours affair, according to reports. Ruth Turner, the director of government relations for Downing Street, is reported to have been interviewed by Scotland Yard last week.
Downing Street aide quizzed on 'cash-for-honours' affair
A senior advisor to Prime Minister Tony Blair has been questioned by police investigating the alleged cash-for-honours affair, according to reports. Ruth Turner, the director of government relations for Downing Street, is reported to have been interviewed by Scotland Yard last week.
19 April 2006
Lord Falconer to be questioned over party funding
The Lord Chancellor will be questioned by MPs over funding for political parties in the wake of the 'cash for honours' debacle. Lord Falconer will be questioned by the Commons Constitutional Affairs Committee, which has launched an inquiry into the way parties are funded. The Metropolitan Police are already investigating the 'cash for honours' row.
Lord Falconer to be questioned over party funding
The Lord Chancellor will be questioned by MPs over funding for political parties in the wake of the 'cash for honours' debacle. Lord Falconer will be questioned by the Commons Constitutional Affairs Committee, which has launched an inquiry into the way parties are funded. The Metropolitan Police are already investigating the 'cash for honours' row.
21 February 2007
Blair aide questioned in cash-for-honour probe
Downing Street aide Ruth Turner has been questioned for the second time by police investigating the cash-for-honours affair, it has been reported. Ms Turner, one of the Prime Minister's closest aides, had been arrested in January on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and was later released on bail after being questioned.
Blair aide questioned in cash-for-honour probe
Downing Street aide Ruth Turner has been questioned for the second time by police investigating the cash-for-honours affair, it has been reported. Ms Turner, one of the Prime Minister's closest aides, had been arrested in January on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and was later released on bail after being questioned.
23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
31 January 2007
Lord Levy arrested in cash-for-honours probe
Lord Levy, the Labour party's chief fundraiser, has been arrested for a second time in the cash-for-honours investigation. The peer, who is the Prime Minister's envoy to the Middle East, was first arrested last July. However, this time he was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Lord Levy arrested in cash-for-honours probe
Lord Levy, the Labour party's chief fundraiser, has been arrested for a second time in the cash-for-honours investigation. The peer, who is the Prime Minister's envoy to the Middle East, was first arrested last July. However, this time he was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
