Arrested Tory MP's whistleblower 'acted in public interest'

Published on Monday 1 December 2008 21:38

THE civil service whistleblower accused of leaking information to Damian Green, the shadow immigration minister, yesterday insisted he acted in the public interest.

Lawyers for Christopher Galley, 26, a Home Office worker who has been suspended, defended the former Conservative activist's decision to hand information to the opposition.

He was arrested this month in a raid his lawyer described as "unpleasant and unnecessary".

Neil O'May said his client believed the information would be used "in a responsible manner in the public interest".

His client was unable to speak as he is under police investigation.

The leaks were "embarrassment material" and important to holding the government to account. Mr O'May described as "malicious" reports claiming his client had been used by police to entrap Mr Green. It has also been reported Mr Galley sought a job with Mr Green, but was turned down.

On Thursday, Mr Green was arrested and held for nine hours on of "suspicion of conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office". The move sparked claims of a "Stalinist" state.

Yesterday, David Wilshire, a Tory MP, made a formal complaint to the Speaker of the House.

Meanwhile, the Tories were outraged that a meeting between Commons' authorities and politicians – to discuss a statement by the Speaker on the raid – does not include opposition members.

It is understood the Tories are suspicious they may be "stitched up" if civil servants and ministers are allowed to "collude" on any statement.