Hewitt questioned in cash for honours probe
Patricia Hewitt says she has been questioned by police
Thursday, 23, Nov 2006 12:00
Health secretary Patricia Hewitt has confirmed she has been questioned by police investigating the cash for honours affairs.
She stressed she was not interviewed under caution but as a "witness to their inquiry", and aides said they did not expect her to be questioned again.
Ms Hewitt is the first serving cabinet minister to be quizzed by Scotland Yard officials looking into allegations that parties offered honours in return for financial contributions.
"I can confirm that I met the police following their request," she said in a statement. "It was stressed to me at that meeting that I was a witness to their inquiry."
All members of the 2005 cabinet, excluding Tony Blair and the attorney general, Lord Goldsmith, have received letters requesting evidence for the investigation.
Labour party chairwoman Hazel Blears also revealed last week that she had been questioned, although her spokesman said it was a "courtesy" meeting.
The police inquiries are looking into possible breaches of a 1925 act prohibiting the sale of honours and the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 detailing how donations and loans to political parties must be declared.
The allegations relate to a number of secret loans and donations made to Labour and the Conservatives in the run-up to the last election. A number of the donors were subsequently nominated for a seat in the House of Lords.
About 90 people have been questioned so far, including members of the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. Everyone involved denies any wrongdoing.
Three people have been arrested by police over the affair, including Lord Levy, Mr Blair's personal Middle East envoy and the Labour party's top fundraiser. They too protest their innocence.
Ms Hewitt's questioning is being seen as a further sign that police will interview the prime minister. Downing Street has said that Scotland Yard officials have yet to make contact with Mr Blair.
Norman Lamb, chief of staff to Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell, commented: "It is clear that this investigation is moving closer and closer to the heart of government.
"Until we have serious reform of both party funding and the House of Lords, we cannot expect to restore public confidence in the political system."