Aide arrested in honours probe
- 00:02:02
- ITN
Aide arrested in honours probe
A senior Downing Street aide has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice by police investigating cash-for-honours allegations.Tony Blair's director of Government relations, Ruth Turner, has reportedly been arrested and released without charge.In a statement released by 10 Downing Street, the 36-year-old said: "I absolutely refute any allegations of wrongdoing of any nature whatsoever."Scotland Yard said that the arrest was "in connection with alleged offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925 and also on suspicion of perverting the course of justice".A file had been expected by many in Westminster to be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service this month.But Scotland Yard said: "As a result of this new development, additional investigation will be required before a final file can be submitted to the CPS."Ms Turner's arrest will spark speculation that police are widening their inquiries to look into the possibility of an attempted cover-up.She was appointed as Mr Blair's "gatekeeper" two years ago - replacing his long-time ally Anji Hunter - and reports to his chief of staff Jonathan Powell.Last September, Ms Turner was interviewed under caution by detectives when she is believed to have been questioned about emails and documents relating to the inquiry.She is the fourth person to be arrested in the inquiry, after Mr Blair's personal fundraiser Lord Levy, major Labour donor Sir Christopher Evans and headteacher Des Smith.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
ITN | January 19, 2007
