Lib Dems will abstain over Hunt’s future

Liberal Democrat MPs will not oppose a Commons motion calling for Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt to be investigated over alleged breaches of the ministerial code.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg instructed his MPs, including ministers, to abstain in the vote which is to be forced by Labour today. A senior Liberal Democrat source said the decision not to refer Mr Hunt to the Prime Minister’s adviser on ministerial interests was taken by David Cameron and was not endorsed by his coalition partners.

At a meeting of Lib Dem MPs Mr Clegg explained the position and there was “complete unanimity”, the source said.