Blair quizzed in cash-for-honours probe
Tony Blair was not questioned under caution
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Thursday, 14, Dec 2006 08:13
Tony Blair has been questioned by detectives investigating cash-for-peerages allegations.
Downing Street has confirmed that the prime minister has been quizzed, but said he was not under caution at the time.
The interview also took place with no lawyer present and occurred this morning after the weekly cabinet meeting.
Mr Blair is believed to be the first serving prime minister to be questioned by police but no charges are expected.
The prime minister's official spokesman told reporters that the conversation occurred at 11:00 GMT and went on for about two hours.
During the discussion Mr Blair told officers why certain people had been nominated for peerages.
The investigation centres on allegations, made into an official complaint by the Scottish National party, that a 1925 law prohibiting the sale of honours had been breached.
So far, 90 people from across the political spectrum have been spoken to and three arrests have been made.
One of those arrested was chief Labour fundraiser Lord Levy. The peer, as well as all others involved in the probe, deny any wrongdoing.
Mr Blair had always expected to be questioned as part of the investigation as it reached a conclusion, his official spokesman added.