Guardian: (UK) Key No 10 aide arrested in honours inquiry

[Eugene]

4pm update
Key No 10 aide arrested in honours inquiry

Paul Owen
Friday January 19, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

The "cash-for-honours" inquiry took a dramatic new twist today as a key Downing Street
aide was arrested by police.

Ruth Turner, director of government relations, was arrested at her home in London under
the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925 and also on suspicion of perverting the course
of justice.

Police said that she was interviewed at a London police station and bailed to return at a
later date "pending further enquiries".

A Downing Street spokeswoman said the prime minister had "full confidence" in Ms Turner
and that she still remained in her job.

-snip-

Full article: http://politics.guardian.co.uk/funding/story/0,,1994500,00.html

[CrazyOrangeCat]

1. full confidence???

how asinine.

why couldn't he just say no comment?

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. 'suspicion of perverting the course of justice' is interesting

Rather like the Plame case in the USA, proving the original accusation - that there was a direct agreement to exchange honours for donations or loans - could be quite difficult. But when they add the 'perverting' accusation, that implies they think some obstruction of the investigation has gone on - such as erasing emails or paper records.

[DoYouEverWonder]

3. Honours police arrest Blair aide

19 January 2007



Downing Street political adviser Ruth Turner has become the fourth person to be arrested by police investigating the cash-for-honours allegations.

Ms Turner was arrested at 0630 GMT but later released on police bail after being quizzed for several hours.

She was questioned over honours allegations and suspicion of perverting the course of justice. She has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing.

Tony Blair gave Ms Turner, one of his closest aides, his full backing.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6279729.stm

[acmavm]

4. Isn't Blair's backing becoming a little less valuable than worthless by

now?

[Mark E. Smith]

5. Senior Aide To Blair Arrested In Honours Inquiry

The Irish Times
Sat, Jan 20, 2007

Scotland Yard's investigation into 'cash for honours' allegations against the British
government has again reached into the heart of Downing Street with the arrest of a
senior aide to prime minister Tony Blair on suspicion of perverting the course of
justice.

Officials at 10 Downing Street wre surprised by the early morning arrest of political
adviser Ruth Turner, who was questioned for several hours at a london police station
before being released without charge on police bail.

Ms Turner - Mr Blair's 'gatekeeper," who became the fourth person and first salaried
official to be arrested in the inquiry - released a statement through Number 10 last
night rejecting 'any allegations of wrongdoing of ny nature whatsoever.'

(later..)

However, Scottish National Party MP Angus MacNeill, who triggered the police inquiry
into alleged offenses under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925, suggested
the arrest underlined 'the seriousness of the situation facing Downing Street' and that
'water is now lapping around Tony Blair's neck.'

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/frontpage/2007/0120/1169247528638.html