This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-politics-13440744
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Police to investigate Huhne speeding points claims | Police to investigate Huhne speeding points claims |
(40 minutes later) | |
Police will be speaking to "key individuals" over allegations cabinet minister Chris Huhne tried to evade punishment for speeding. | |
The energy secretary has been under pressure since his ex-wife suggested someone close to him took licence points for him after a speeding offence committed on the M11 motorway in 2003. | |
Police said there were "many lines of inquiry to be taken". | Police said there were "many lines of inquiry to be taken". |
On Monday Mr Huhne dismissed the allegations as "simply incorrect". | On Monday Mr Huhne dismissed the allegations as "simply incorrect". |
Detective Superintendent Tim Wills, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "There are many lines of inquiry to be taken and the team are still working to establish if an offence has been committed. | |
"Obviously, this will entail speaking to key individuals identified by the enquiry team. It would not be appropriate to release any more information prior to progressing these lines of inquiry." | |
'In trouble' | |
Det Supt Wills was tasked with looking into the allegations after Labour MP Simon Danczuk lodged a formal complaint with police against Mr Huhne, MP for Eastleigh. | |
This came after claims surfaced in newspaper stories following an interview with his estranged wife Vicky Pryce. | |
Before the police investigation was announced, Conservative Justice Secretary Ken Clarke told BBC Radio 5 live: "I have no idea whether there is anything to prove him wrong. | |
"I realise he's in trouble and I hope somebody sorts out whether it be true or not. But I've known him for years, long before he was a colleague, and he insists it is untrue, and at the moment I have no reason to disbelieve that." | |
Mr Clarke added: "The cabinet has not discussed it. He does not need the full backing of the cabinet unless and until anyone can undermine him." | |
Earlier, Downing Street indicated that David Cameron still had confidence in Mr Huhne. | |
The prime minister's spokesman said: "The position on Chris Huhne has not changed. He denies all the allegations on the issue." |