This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/5397856.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Tory donor quizzed in loan probe Peerage probe police quiz Tories
(about 5 hours later)
A donor to the Conservative party has been questioned by police investigating the loans for peerages inquiry. Four major donors to the Conservative Party have been questioned by police in the "cash for peerages" inquiry.
Robert Edmiston, head of IM group, was nominated for a peerage last autumn, but his application was blocked by the body that checks nominations. They include a businessman whose nomination for a peerage last autumn was blocked by the body which vets appointments to the House of Lords.
The Tories said Mr Edmiston was interviewed by police in July along with three other donors - Lord Laidlaw, Lord Ashcroft and Swede Johan Eliasch. Robert Edmiston, head of IM group, was questioned by police in July.
In March it emerged Mr Edmiston made a £2m donation to the Conservatives. The Tories say three other donors - Lord Laidlaw, Lord Ashcroft and Swede Johan Eliasch - were also interviewed as part of the Scotland Yard probe.
The Times newspaper named him as one of a number of rich benefactors questioned as part of the inquiry. Mr Edmiston lent the Conservatives £2m before last year's general election but has since converted the loan into a donation.
The Tory party said none of those interviewed has been re-interviewed by the police. The Conservative Party said none of those interviewed has been questioned again by the police.
It is understood that no-one employed at Conservative HQ has been interviewed in connection with the inquiry. 'Clean up' plans
It is understood that nobody employed at Conservative HQ has been interviewed in the inquiry.
Shadow chancellor George Osborne told BBC Radio Five Live: "The story is actually something about something that happened many months ago.
"And we're not in the position that the Labour Party are in, where people who are working for the prime minister have been arrested, and a big Labour donor has been arrested."
Mr Osborne said the Tories had put forward a package of reforms to how political parties are funded to help "clean up" British politics.
Cash for peerages claimsCash for peerages claims
The investigation is looking into claims that peerages were offered in exchange for cash, after it was revealed that all three main parties were given secret loans ahead of the last election. The investigation is looking into whether peerages were offered in exchange for cash, after it was revealed that all three main parties were given secret loans ahead of the last election.
Labour was accused of selling peerages after four businessmen who gave the party £4.5m in unpublicised loans were subsequently nominated for peerages. The probe began after it emerged that four businessmen who gave Labour £4.5m in unpublicised loans were subsequently nominated for peerages.
The scope of the inquiry was extended to cover similar allegations involving the Tories.The scope of the inquiry was extended to cover similar allegations involving the Tories.
The party borrowed £16m from 13 wealthy backers.The party borrowed £16m from 13 wealthy backers.
Last month Ruth Turner, the director of government relations at No 10, was questioned by police.Last month Ruth Turner, the director of government relations at No 10, was questioned by police.
Three arrests have been made, although all have denied wrong-doing.Three arrests have been made, although all have denied wrong-doing.
Head teacher Des Smith, who was on the council of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, was the first person to be arrested and bailed, in April.Head teacher Des Smith, who was on the council of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, was the first person to be arrested and bailed, in April.
Officers have also twice interviewed Lord Levy, Labour's chief fundraiser and Tony Blair's personal representative in the Middle East.Officers have also twice interviewed Lord Levy, Labour's chief fundraiser and Tony Blair's personal representative in the Middle East.
Biotech boss Sir Christopher Evans said he was "shocked and dismayed" to have become the third man arrested.Biotech boss Sir Christopher Evans said he was "shocked and dismayed" to have become the third man arrested.