Lord urged to back out of probe

Published on Sunday 5 November 2006 00:52

THE Scottish MP who sparked the 'cash for honours' inquiry into Tony Blair's administration last night urged the government's top law officer to distance himself from the investigation.

After it emerged that Lord Goldsmith, an ally of Blair's, might make the final decision on whether the inquiry results in criminal charges against politicians and officials, SNP MP Angus MacNeil said "his impartiality could be reasonably questioned".

MacNeil, who prompted the inquiry when he complained about allegations Labour party donors were being 'rewarded' with peerages, continued: "There is such an obvious conflict of interest. He must instead publicly declare he will maintain a healthy distance, as would befit anybody with a political relationship with the Prime Minister."

A spokeswoman for Goldsmith - who was appointed by Blair and attends Cabinet - yesterday confirmed his consent was required to launch prosecutions in a "small" range of offences, including "corruption".

It was "too early" to say, however, whether that would apply in this case, but the Attorney General would be "consulted" if Scotland Yard handed a file to the CPS.

Last month, it emerged that former Conservative leader Michael Howard had been interviewed by police investigating the cash-for-honours affair - leading to speculation that the Prime Minister faces being quizzed soon.

Three people - including Labour's unofficial fundraising chief, Lord Levy - have been arrested since April in connection with the inquiry. However there have been no charges.