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 29 August 2008 19:36 BST

Tories cleared in honours probe

Tuesday, 09 Oct 2007 19:54
The cash-for-honours probe dominated Tony Blair's final months as prime minister
The Conservative party will not face any action in relation to the so-called cash-for-honours scandal.

The crown prosecution service (CPS) has confirmed that it has advised Scotland Yard that there "is insufficient evidence to charge any individuals".

In a statement, the CPS said that after the Metropolitan police had launched its investigation into allegations of abuse into the honours system a "further complaint" was received about nominations for peerages made by the Tories.

"This investigation culminated in a separate file from the police to CPS," the statement said.

"The file of evidence centred on two separate matters. These were the nomination of a donor as a working peer and an approach made to the Conservative party by a party donor."

Prosecutors have decided that there is no realistic chance of a conviction under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925 in either of these cases.

The cash-for-honours scandal overshadowed the final months of Tony Blair's government this year, with the then prime minister questioned by police as part of the investigation.

Mr Blair was questioned as a witness but four others, including Labour's chief fundraiser Lord Levy, were arrested as part of the probe. They were all later released without charge.

The CPS announced in July that it would not be bringing any prosecutions in regard to the original complaint, made to police by Angus MacNeil of the Scottish National party (SNP).End of story


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