Lender 'discussed peerages' with Levy

Published on Sunday 18 March 2007 00:06

THE lender arrested in the cash-for-honours investigation has admitted discussing peerages with Lord Levy in a letter to colleagues.

It emerged last night that Professor Sir Christopher Evans detailed his relationship with Labour's chief fundraiser in a confidential letter to advisers and investors, but denied any wrongdoing.

Sir Christopher, 49, was arrested last September by officers from Scotland Yard investigating whether honours were promised in return for 14m loaned by 12 businessmen.

In the letter, revealed in a Sunday newspaper, the head of the venture capital company Merlin Biosciences wrote: "Did we ever discuss honours and politics?

"Did he [Lord Levy] ever say on the countless occasions that I met him and his wife over the years that I was deserving of a future honour or that I should have a political role and make a difference?

"Yes, he did. So what? Why should I be embarrassed by that fact or such comments?

"Were conversations also taking place about making donations to the party? Of course they were. Michael Levy was always talking about money, that's his job!

"Did he ever promise me anything in return for my donations or my loan? No. Never"

Sir Christopher, who wrote the letter on Friday following another interview with detectives,

also revealed a close relationship with Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown.