Lord Levy quits

Wednesday, 23 May 2007 12:00 AM

Lord Levy, the prime minister's envoy to the Middle East, has announced he will leave office with Tony Blair in June.

Lord Levy has been leading a tenuous existence in Westminster since the cash-for-honours affair broke in 2006.

He was arrested on suspicion of infringing honours and election laws in July last year, and then again recently on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

The Crown Prosecution Service is currently considering the 216-page police report.

But in a statement released last night, Lord Levy claimed to be leaving due to the way his appointment was personally linked to Tony Blair.

The resignation "has always been anticipated and is not different to many other similar positions," he said, adding that he was "deeply honoured and privileged" to have served his country.

The manner in which Lord Levy was appointed caused controversy well before he was embroiled in the cash-for-honours scandal. As Tony Blair's tennis partner, his appointment by the prime minister led to claims of cronyism.

"There was never any question that Lord Levy would go with his master. They worked so closely together and so many things were inseparable," said Edward Davey, Ming Campbell's chief of staff.
"With Lord Levy gone, the challenge will be for Gordon Brown to clean up the mess left by the cash-for-peerages scandal and restore the public's faith in the political process."
The announcement was immediately followed by calls for incoming prime minister Gordon Brown not to reappoint a Middle East envoy when he attains power. The position is entirely unofficial.
There was considerable disquiet over Lord Levy's appointment among ministers. His status as a major donor to the Labour Friends of Israel group led many observers to question his impartiality.

But Downing Street praised the peer, saying the prime minister "believes, and has always said, that Lord Levy has done an excellent job as his personal envoy".

Serious about politics?

City University London

Dedicate one year of your life to getting to the heart of current issues in global politics. Our courses allow you to specialise in development and policy-making, international relations, and political journalism and communications.

Special event coverage

ESRC logo

Festival of Social Sciences: Celebrating the Social Sciences

Evidence-based policy should not be a radical concept. It needs to be celebrated.

ESRC logo

Festival of Social Sciences: 2 languages: 2 brains, 2 minds, 2 cultures?

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences, the Deafness Cognition And Language Research Centre (DCAL) hosted an event exploring the powerful benefits of bilingualism in spoken and sign languages, for hearing and deaf people alike - benefits that reach hearing and deaf people alike.

Opinion Former Events

NHF: Leaders’ Forum and Exhibition 2012

This flagship event is a forum for chief executives and chairs of the housing sector to network with each other and learn from a range of high-profile and inspirational speakers from media, political and housing backgrounds. It takes place in Park Plaza Victoria, London.

TACT: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): how to support affected children

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an incurable lifelong condition arising from brain damage caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The effects may include physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities. However, if diagnosed, the right strategies can transform the lives of those affected. This new Guardian Social Care Network half-day seminar in association with TACT Fostering and Adoption will explain the condition and show what can be done to help.

bpas: Abortion in the US: Popularity, Politics and Practice

We often hear of the ‘Americanisation’ of abortion politics in the UK, but unpicking the substantive threats to women’s reproductive rights in the US can be a challenge. The 2012 bpas public lecture will explore the current state of abortion politics in the US and, at a time when abortion appears increasingly politicised in the UK, reflect on what lessons can be drawn by those keen to protect women’s reproductive autonomy elsewhere.

Cogent SSC: UK Nuclear Skills Awards - 22nd March 2012

The UK Nuclear Awards is steadily becoming an anticipated annual event in the Nuclear calendar. The National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Sector Skills Council are preparing to hold their fourth collaborative Skills Awards Evening for the industry.

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition and Conference

This one-day event is targeted at professionals operating in the information destruction industry, and aims at keeping delegates updated on recent developments in their sector, providing an opportunity to network with fellow professionals, whilst offering access to an informative exhibition and a comprehensive conference programme.

Take the Gold Challenge for St Dunstan's

We provide lifelong support for blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women. You can help give more blind heroes an independent future by taking the Gold Challenge

Newsletter sign up

By signing-up you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy.

Unsubscribe