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Chris Huhne resigns over speeding offence charges – live updates Chris Huhne resigns over speeding offence charges – live updates
(40 minutes later)
12.48pm: Confirmed: Ed Davey will become energy and climate change secretary, with Norman Lamb, Nick Clegg's parliamentary aide, taking over from him as business minister.
Jenny Willott, MP for Cardiff Central, will become an assistant government whip.
All three, it should be stressed, are Lib Dem MPs, so the net loss for the party in cabinet is nil, although clearly Huhne's experience will be missed.
In a brief statement, Nick Clegg has said if Huhne cleared his name he would like to see him back in government in a key position.
12.29pm: Some reaction coming through from green groups to the Huhne resignation, mostly regretful.
John Sauven, Greenpeace's director, said the former minister would be "a tough act to follow".
His achievements in getting the "green bank" and stricter legally binding carbon targets are a physical legacy of what he was able to accomplish.
He has been a vocal advocate for the green agenda in a government whose green credentials are looking more than a little tarnished."
Friends of the Earth's executive director, Andy Atkins, struck a similar tone:

Chris Huhne has championed the environment in an administration that's shown little enthusiasm for keeping David Cameron's pledge to be the greenest government ever.
He should be commended for insisting on tougher climate targets and fighting for a green investment bank – but his department's incompetent handling of solar cuts has put 29,000 jobs at risk.
The new energy secretary must stand firm against George Osborne's anti-green agenda and make the case that protecting our environment ns a way to boost not hinder our economic recovery.
12.15pm: Huhne has written a rather more expansive letter to Nick Clegg, his party leader, in which he says: "It has been a privilege to serve with you in the first group of Liberal ministers in a British government since 1945".
"The Liberal Democrats under your leadership are playing an essential role in ensuring the coalition government reflects liberal values at home and abroad."
Clegg's reply is here. He writes: "I fully understand your decision to stand down from government in order to clear your name but I hope you will be able to do so rapidly so that you can return to play a key role in government as soon as possible."
12.09pm: Cameron's letter of reply to Huhne says he has "made the right decision under the circumstances".12.09pm: Cameron's letter of reply to Huhne says he has "made the right decision under the circumstances".
He adds: "Like the deputy prime minister, I am sorry to see you leave the government under these circumstances and wish you well for the future."
The full text is here.		He adds: "Like the deputy prime minister, I am sorry to see you leave the government under these circumstances and wish you well for the future."
The full text is here.
11.58am: A quick summary of events so far:11.58am: A quick summary of events so far:
• Chris Huhne has resigned as energy and climate change secretary, after the director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer announced he would be charged with perverting the course of justice.• Chris Huhne has resigned as energy and climate change secretary, after the director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer announced he would be charged with perverting the course of justice.
• Vicky Pryce, Huhne's estranged wife, has also been charged with the same offence. The charges relate to an incident in 2003 when, it is alleged, Huhne persuaded his wife to accept a speeding penalty on his behalf.• Vicky Pryce, Huhne's estranged wife, has also been charged with the same offence. The charges relate to an incident in 2003 when, it is alleged, Huhne persuaded his wife to accept a speeding penalty on his behalf.
• In a statement, Huhne continued vigorously to deny the charge, but said that "to avoid any distraction to my official duties or my trial defence" he was standing down from his post.• In a statement, Huhne continued vigorously to deny the charge, but said that "to avoid any distraction to my official duties or my trial defence" he was standing down from his post.
• Lib Dem sources say Ed Davey, the business minister, will be promoted to the department of energy and climate change as secretary of state, with Norman Lamb, the parliamentary aide to Nick Clegg, taking Davey's post.• Lib Dem sources say Ed Davey, the business minister, will be promoted to the department of energy and climate change as secretary of state, with Norman Lamb, the parliamentary aide to Nick Clegg, taking Davey's post.
11.50am: The full text of Huhne's resignation letter to David Cameron (pdf):11.50am: The full text of Huhne's resignation letter to David Cameron (pdf):
This letter is to submit with much regret my resignation as energy and climate change secretary.This letter is to submit with much regret my resignation as energy and climate change secretary.
I intend to mount a robust defence against the charges brought against me, and I have concluded that it would be distracting both to that effort and to my official duties if I were to continue in office.I intend to mount a robust defence against the charges brought against me, and I have concluded that it would be distracting both to that effort and to my official duties if I were to continue in office.
It has been an honour to negotiate and then serve in the first coalition government of modern times which has substantial achievements both in reducing the economic dangers faced by our country, and in making progress with policies to tackle climate change and provide energy security.It has been an honour to negotiate and then serve in the first coalition government of modern times which has substantial achievements both in reducing the economic dangers faced by our country, and in making progress with policies to tackle climate change and provide energy security.
Internationally, we have helped to build a coalition of ambitious countries in Europe and beyond to put the United Nations process back on track.Internationally, we have helped to build a coalition of ambitious countries in Europe and beyond to put the United Nations process back on track.
It has been a privilege to be a minister in the coalition government, and I wish the administration every success with the environmental and economic challenges that lie ahead.It has been a privilege to be a minister in the coalition government, and I wish the administration every success with the environmental and economic challenges that lie ahead.
11.40am: Huhne will be entitled to a severance payment of more than £17,000 after resigning, PA is reporting.11.40am: Huhne will be entitled to a severance payment of more than £17,000 after resigning, PA is reporting.
"Under the 1991 Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act, the Liberal Democrat is allowed three months worth of his £68,827 annual ministerial pay, the Cabinet Office said."Under the 1991 Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act, the Liberal Democrat is allowed three months worth of his £68,827 annual ministerial pay, the Cabinet Office said.
That entitles Mr Huhne to £17,207, if he chooses to accept it."That entitles Mr Huhne to £17,207, if he chooses to accept it."
11.29am: My colleague Rajeev Syal in Westminster has more on the historical context of the resignation.11.29am: My colleague Rajeev Syal in Westminster has more on the historical context of the resignation.
According to the reference book British Political Facts by David Butler and Gareth Butler, not a single cabinet minister has resigned as a result of being charged with a serious criminal offence since
modern records began in 1903.		According to the reference book British Political Facts by David Butler and Gareth Butler, not a single cabinet minister has resigned as a result of being charged with a serious criminal offence since
modern records began in 1903.
A junior minister resigned in November 1958 after being charged with gross indecency. Lt Colonel Ian Harvey, who was the parliamentary under-Secretary of state at the Foreign Office, was charged with gross indecency after being found with a member of the Coldstream Guards in the bushes in St James's Park.A junior minister resigned in November 1958 after being charged with gross indecency. Lt Colonel Ian Harvey, who was the parliamentary under-Secretary of state at the Foreign Office, was charged with gross indecency after being found with a member of the Coldstream Guards in the bushes in St James's Park.
When apprehended, Harvey tried but failed to escape, and attempted to give a false name on arrest. Both men were charged with gross indecency and breach of the park regulations. When tried on 10 December, the indecency charge was dropped and both were fined £5.When apprehended, Harvey tried but failed to escape, and attempted to give a false name on arrest. Both men were charged with gross indecency and breach of the park regulations. When tried on 10 December, the indecency charge was dropped and both were fined £5.
Bloomberg has interviewed Philip Cowley, professor of politics at Nottingham University, who said: "I can't think of a comparable case in British politics where a cabinet minister is charged by the police for an offence for which they potentially face jail if convicted.Bloomberg has interviewed Philip Cowley, professor of politics at Nottingham University, who said: "I can't think of a comparable case in British politics where a cabinet minister is charged by the police for an offence for which they potentially face jail if convicted.
11.26am: Here is Huhne's resignation letter (pdf).11.26am: Here is Huhne's resignation letter (pdf).
10.57am: While some have remarked on the DPP's decision to give a press conference about the charges, Sandra Laville writes,10.57am: While some have remarked on the DPP's decision to give a press conference about the charges, Sandra Laville writes,

Statements live to camera are not as unusual as [some] think. Ken McDonald [Starmer's predecessor] made a statement live to camera on the death of Alexander Litvinkenko.
Statements live to camera are not as unusual as [some] think. Ken McDonald [Starmer's predecessor] made a statement live to camera on the death of Alexander Litvinkenko.
Sue Hemmings, the CPS lead on terror cases, made a live statement with the then head of counter-terrorism, Peter Clark, over the airline bomb plot, and on a regional level, prosecutors also make live statements.Sue Hemmings, the CPS lead on terror cases, made a live statement with the then head of counter-terrorism, Peter Clark, over the airline bomb plot, and on a regional level, prosecutors also make live statements.
10.53am: HUHNE HAS RESIGNED.10.53am: HUHNE HAS RESIGNED.
Here is his statement, which he has just made in person outside his London flat.Here is his statement, which he has just made in person outside his London flat.
The CPS's decision today is deeply regrettable.The CPS's decision today is deeply regrettable.
I am innocent of these charges and I intend to fight them in the courts and I am confident a jury will agree. To avoid any distraction to my official duties or my trial defence I am standing down as secretary of state for energy and climate change.I am innocent of these charges and I intend to fight them in the courts and I am confident a jury will agree. To avoid any distraction to my official duties or my trial defence I am standing down as secretary of state for energy and climate change.
I will of course continue to serve my constituents in Eastleigh.I will of course continue to serve my constituents in Eastleigh.
10.51am: A little from Sandra Laville on what happens next in the case.10.51am: A little from Sandra Laville on what happens next in the case.
Huhne and Pryce have been summonsed to attend magistrates court on 16 February when the charges will be put to them.Huhne and Pryce have been summonsed to attend magistrates court on 16 February when the charges will be put to them.
It is likely the case will then be adjourned and the pair will probably be bailed to return at a later date. It is likely that pleas will be taken at a later date – and then there will be a further adjournment to prepare for a trial in a crown court.It is likely the case will then be adjourned and the pair will probably be bailed to return at a later date. It is likely that pleas will be taken at a later date – and then there will be a further adjournment to prepare for a trial in a crown court.
The maximum penalty for perverting the course of justice is life, but those found guilty can also be given a fine.The maximum penalty for perverting the course of justice is life, but those found guilty can also be given a fine.
10.48am: Some LibDem reaction coming in. Benjamin Lamm, editor of the Liberal, has issued a statement in which he says:10.48am: Some LibDem reaction coming in. Benjamin Lamm, editor of the Liberal, has issued a statement in which he says:

This is a major loss for the Lib Dems in coalition. Perhaps the greatest success for the party in government has been securing the UK pledge to cut carbon emissions in half by 2025 – a move strongly opposed by many in the Conservative parliamentary party. Environmental issues remain a priority for Lib Dem members and activists.
This is a major loss for the Lib Dems in coalition. Perhaps the greatest success for the party in government has been securing the UK pledge to cut carbon emissions in half by 2025 – a move strongly opposed by many in the Conservative parliamentary party. Environmental issues remain a priority for Lib Dem members and activists.
Chris Huhne will fight for his reputation and to restore his role as a frontline politician. He is savvy and highly intelligent, capable of corralling support among the party's grassroots, and potentially destabilising the leadership (see: 'Calamity Clegg').Chris Huhne will fight for his reputation and to restore his role as a frontline politician. He is savvy and highly intelligent, capable of corralling support among the party's grassroots, and potentially destabilising the leadership (see: 'Calamity Clegg').
With Simon Hughes co-opted by the cabinet – despite not being a minister – and left-leaning Tim Farron bound to loyalty by his role as party president, Huhne may yet become a figurehead for the dissenting grassroots.With Simon Hughes co-opted by the cabinet – despite not being a minister – and left-leaning Tim Farron bound to loyalty by his role as party president, Huhne may yet become a figurehead for the dissenting grassroots.
10.39am: Vicky Pryce has issued the following brief statement via her lawyers:10.39am: Vicky Pryce has issued the following brief statement via her lawyers:

As the CPS have decided to prosecute it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.
As the CPS have decided to prosecute it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.
Obviously I hope for a quick resolution of the case. In the meantime I will be taking a little time off over the next few days to be with my family.Obviously I hope for a quick resolution of the case. In the meantime I will be taking a little time off over the next few days to be with my family.
10.30am:
According to Patrick Wintour at Westminster, Lib Dem sources say Ed Davey, the business minister, will be promoted to the department of energy and climate change as secretary of state, with Norman Lamb, the parliamentary aide to Nick Clegg, taking Davey's post.		10.30am:
According to Patrick Wintour at Westminster, Lib Dem sources say Ed Davey, the business minister, will be promoted to the department of energy and climate change as secretary of state, with Norman Lamb, the parliamentary aide to Nick Clegg, taking Davey's post.
Huhne, meanwhile, is expected shortly to announce he is resigning from the government, making an statement outside his flat in central London. He had considered whether it was possible to remain in cabinet to fight his innocence in court, but he recognises this is not tenable.Huhne, meanwhile, is expected shortly to announce he is resigning from the government, making an statement outside his flat in central London. He had considered whether it was possible to remain in cabinet to fight his innocence in court, but he recognises this is not tenable.
Huhne's departure weakens the climate change lobby, Patrick writesHuhne's departure weakens the climate change lobby, Patrick writes
Since he has been willing to fight the Treasury hard over a range of issues.
If he is found innocent in the court case, something that could take many months, he will have to decide the kind of role he plays inside his party.		Since he has been willing to fight the Treasury hard over a range of issues.
If he is found innocent in the court case, something that could take many months, he will have to decide the kind of role he plays inside his party.
An economist and political pugilist, he could take the helm of the Social Liberal Forum, the group that is pushing a more leftist agenda inside the party, but both Huhne and the SLF will think carefully about a figure facing a criminal charge leading a political faction at this stage.An economist and political pugilist, he could take the helm of the Social Liberal Forum, the group that is pushing a more leftist agenda inside the party, but both Huhne and the SLF will think carefully about a figure facing a criminal charge leading a political faction at this stage.
Pryce is a leading economist and has acted as an occasional informal adviser to the business secretary, Vince Cable. She was at one point the chief economist at the Business Department, but now faces the charge of perverting the course of justice.Pryce is a leading economist and has acted as an occasional informal adviser to the business secretary, Vince Cable. She was at one point the chief economist at the Business Department, but now faces the charge of perverting the course of justice.
She will be considering whether it was in her long term family interest to co-operate with the Sunday Times to make the allegation that she had taken points on behalf of her husband.She will be considering whether it was in her long term family interest to co-operate with the Sunday Times to make the allegation that she had taken points on behalf of her husband.
10.22am: The statement in full from Starmer.10.22am: The statement in full from Starmer.
This statement is made by the Crown Prosecution Service in the interests of transparency and accountability to explain the decisions reached in the cases of Mr Christopher Huhne and Ms Vasiliki Pryce and to explain the time taken in arriving at these decisions.

A criminal complaint was made to Essex police in May 2011, alleging that Ms Pryce had accepted responsibility for a speeding offence committed by Mr Huhne in 2003. That complaint was investigated by Essex Police and a file was passed to the CPS in late July 2011.		This statement is made by the Crown Prosecution Service in the interests of transparency and accountability to explain the decisions reached in the cases of Mr Christopher Huhne and Ms Vasiliki Pryce and to explain the time taken in arriving at these decisions.

A criminal complaint was made to Essex police in May 2011, alleging that Ms Pryce had accepted responsibility for a speeding offence committed by Mr Huhne in 2003. That complaint was investigated by Essex Police and a file was passed to the CPS in late July 2011.
The CPS advised that further investigations should be made, including obtaining certain material from a national newspaper. Those further investigations were made and, in October 2011, an order was made for the newspaper to produce material to the police. The newspaper appealed that order, as it was entitled to do, but subsequently consented to producing the material in question just before the appeal was due to be heard, on 20 January this year.

All the available evidence, including the new material, has now been carefully considered by the CPS and we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce for perverting the course of justice.

The essence of the charges is that between March and May 2003, Mr Huhne, having allegedly committed a speeding offence, falsely informed the investigating authorities that Ms Pryce had been the driver of the vehicle in question, and she falsely accepted that she was the driver.

Accordingly, summonses against both Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce have been obtained from Westminster magistrates' court and those summonses will now be served on them. They are due to appear in court on 16 February this year.

The decision in this case was taken by Mr Rene Barclay, a senior and very experienced prosecutor, in consultation with Sue Hemming, the Head of special crime division and in consultation with me as DPP.

Can I remind all concerned that Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce now stand charged with criminal offences and that they each have a right to a fair trial. It is very important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice their trial.		The CPS advised that further investigations should be made, including obtaining certain material from a national newspaper. Those further investigations were made and, in October 2011, an order was made for the newspaper to produce material to the police. The newspaper appealed that order, as it was entitled to do, but subsequently consented to producing the material in question just before the appeal was due to be heard, on 20 January this year.

All the available evidence, including the new material, has now been carefully considered by the CPS and we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce for perverting the course of justice.

The essence of the charges is that between March and May 2003, Mr Huhne, having allegedly committed a speeding offence, falsely informed the investigating authorities that Ms Pryce had been the driver of the vehicle in question, and she falsely accepted that she was the driver.

Accordingly, summonses against both Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce have been obtained from Westminster magistrates' court and those summonses will now be served on them. They are due to appear in court on 16 February this year.

The decision in this case was taken by Mr Rene Barclay, a senior and very experienced prosecutor, in consultation with Sue Hemming, the Head of special crime division and in consultation with me as DPP.

Can I remind all concerned that Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce now stand charged with criminal offences and that they each have a right to a fair trial. It is very important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice their trial.
10.18am: Political journalists are gathering outside a venue in Eastbourne, where the Lib Dems have been holding a retreat, hosted by Nick Clegg.10.18am: Political journalists are gathering outside a venue in Eastbourne, where the Lib Dems have been holding a retreat, hosted by Nick Clegg.
Huhne left the away day yesterday when he learned an announcement on the potential charges was imminent.Huhne left the away day yesterday when he learned an announcement on the potential charges was imminent.
No formal statements yet from Huhne, Clegg or Cameron.No formal statements yet from Huhne, Clegg or Cameron.
10.05am: Huhne will be charged, Starmer confirms.10.05am: Huhne will be charged, Starmer confirms.
Starmer: "We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against both Mr Huhne and Miss Pryce for perverting the course of justice."Starmer: "We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against both Mr Huhne and Miss Pryce for perverting the course of justice."
Both Pryce and Huhne are to appear in court on 16 February. Huhne is now expected to leave the cabinet.Both Pryce and Huhne are to appear in court on 16 February. Huhne is now expected to leave the cabinet.
Starmer said:Starmer said:
All the available evidence, including the new material, has now been carefully considered by the CPS and we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce for perverting the course of justice.All the available evidence, including the new material, has now been carefully considered by the CPS and we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce for perverting the course of justice.
"The essence of the charges is that between March and May 2003, Mr Huhne, having allegedly committed a speeding offence, falsely informed the investigating authorities that Ms Pryce had been the driver of the vehicle in question, and she falsely accepted that she was the driver."The essence of the charges is that between March and May 2003, Mr Huhne, having allegedly committed a speeding offence, falsely informed the investigating authorities that Ms Pryce had been the driver of the vehicle in question, and she falsely accepted that she was the driver.
Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce now stand charged with criminal offences and that they each have a right to a fair trial. It is very important that nothing is said or reported that could prejudice their right to a fair trial.Mr Huhne and Ms Pryce now stand charged with criminal offences and that they each have a right to a fair trial. It is very important that nothing is said or reported that could prejudice their right to a fair trial.
10.03am: Keir Starmer is speaking now.10.03am: Keir Starmer is speaking now.
He says the statement is being made "in the interests of transparency and accountability".He says the statement is being made "in the interests of transparency and accountability".
Starmer has become the DPP who gives his decision live on camera. It is part of the Crown Prosecution Service's move to be more open about the decision-making processes lawyers go through to reach their judgment to charge or not to charge.Starmer has become the DPP who gives his decision live on camera. It is part of the Crown Prosecution Service's move to be more open about the decision-making processes lawyers go through to reach their judgment to charge or not to charge.
CPS lawyers had a full file of evidence by the end of August last year. What held up a decision was the legal battle with the Sunday Times over emails held by their political editor Isabel Oakeshott.CPS lawyers had a full file of evidence by the end of August last year. What held up a decision was the legal battle with the Sunday Times over emails held by their political editor Isabel Oakeshott.
The police were granted a production order but appealed the decision through the courts and it was not until two weeks ago that lawyers for the Sunday Times said they were dropping the appeal, and detectives were able to get possession of the emails.The police were granted a production order but appealed the decision through the courts and it was not until two weeks ago that lawyers for the Sunday Times said they were dropping the appeal, and detectives were able to get possession of the emails.
It is understood the police made it clear when they passed their file of evidence to the CPS last August that they recommended charges were brought.It is understood the police made it clear when they passed their file of evidence to the CPS last August that they recommended charges were brought.
10.00am: Chris Huhne will be charged, sources are briefing political journalists.10.00am: Chris Huhne will be charged, sources are briefing political journalists.
9.57am: From Ptrick Wintour's article:9.57am: From Ptrick Wintour's article:
The alleged incident dates back nearly a decade, but only emerged after Huhne admitted an affair with PR adviser Carina Trimingham in 2010, that ended his marriage.The alleged incident dates back nearly a decade, but only emerged after Huhne admitted an affair with PR adviser Carina Trimingham in 2010, that ended his marriage.
The Sunday Times reported that he had allegedly been caught by a speed camera on 12 March 2003.The Sunday Times reported that he had allegedly been caught by a speed camera on 12 March 2003.
He has consistently denied claims that he was the one behind the wheel and that Pryce admitted the offence because he would have faced a ban if he collected any more penalty points.He has consistently denied claims that he was the one behind the wheel and that Pryce admitted the offence because he would have faced a ban if he collected any more penalty points.
Huhne is alleged to have been returning from Stansted airport to his home in Clapham, south London, on the day in question, having flown in from Strasbourg, where the European parliament sits.Huhne is alleged to have been returning from Stansted airport to his home in Clapham, south London, on the day in question, having flown in from Strasbourg, where the European parliament sits.
Images have since emerged of Pryce's driving licence, indicating that she received three points for a speeding offence in the Essex area on 12 March 2003.Images have since emerged of Pryce's driving licence, indicating that she received three points for a speeding offence in the Essex area on 12 March 2003.
However, she is believed to have later said she was actually at an event in London that day.However, she is believed to have later said she was actually at an event in London that day.
Essex police started an investigation when it was claimed in a Sunday Times interview with Pryce last May that her ex-husband asked "someone" to take speeding points on his behalf.Essex police started an investigation when it was claimed in a Sunday Times interview with Pryce last May that her ex-husband asked "someone" to take speeding points on his behalf.
9.41am: BREAKING: The BBC is reporting that Vicky Pryce, Huhne's former wife, has said "I understand there will be charges".9.41am: BREAKING: The BBC is reporting that Vicky Pryce, Huhne's former wife, has said "I understand there will be charges".
9.38am: David Cameron said in May, shortly after the allegations first surfaced, that the energy secretary had his "full confidence".9.38am: David Cameron said in May, shortly after the allegations first surfaced, that the energy secretary had his "full confidence".
But Nick Clegg said last week that it would be a "very serious issue" if Huhne were charged, stressing: "We as a government want the highest standards of probity to be in place in everything that is done by cabinet members."But Nick Clegg said last week that it would be a "very serious issue" if Huhne were charged, stressing: "We as a government want the highest standards of probity to be in place in everything that is done by cabinet members."
If Huhne does resign, Patrick Wintour writesIf Huhne does resign, Patrick Wintour writes
"It will mean the loss of one of the party's heavy hitters, prepared to stand his ground in public against the Conservatives."It will mean the loss of one of the party's heavy hitters, prepared to stand his ground in public against the Conservatives.
He has fought a rearguard action in Whitehall to keep green politics at the centre of government thinking at a time when the recession has made climate change a more difficult cause to sell.He has fought a rearguard action in Whitehall to keep green politics at the centre of government thinking at a time when the recession has made climate change a more difficult cause to sell.
Huhne has crossed swords with a succession of Tory cabinet ministers, including the chancellor, George Osborne, the Conservative co-chairman, Lady Warsi, and the home secretary, Theresa May.Huhne has crossed swords with a succession of Tory cabinet ministers, including the chancellor, George Osborne, the Conservative co-chairman, Lady Warsi, and the home secretary, Theresa May.
Few tears will be shed in parts of Downing Street if he is prosecuted, even though Cameron is temperamentally opposed to reshuffles.Few tears will be shed in parts of Downing Street if he is prosecuted, even though Cameron is temperamentally opposed to reshuffles.
There has been repeated Tory-led speculation that the business minister responsible for employment relations and the Post office, Ed Davey, would be given Huhne's job. Vince Cable, the business secretary and a former Shell economist, has been interested in the energy post in the past."There has been repeated Tory-led speculation that the business minister responsible for employment relations and the Post office, Ed Davey, would be given Huhne's job. Vince Cable, the business secretary and a former Shell economist, has been interested in the energy post in the past."
Here's a great video profile of Huhne above.Here's a great video profile of Huhne above.
9.20am: Good morning. The energy secretary, Chris Huhne, will learn this morning whether he will face charges over allegations he avoided a speeding penalty.9.20am: Good morning. The energy secretary, Chris Huhne, will learn this morning whether he will face charges over allegations he avoided a speeding penalty.
Keir Starmer, the director of public prosecutions, will make a televised announcement at 10am on whether Huhne and his former wife, Vicky Pryce, are to be prosecuted.Keir Starmer, the director of public prosecutions, will make a televised announcement at 10am on whether Huhne and his former wife, Vicky Pryce, are to be prosecuted.
Huhne has insisted he is innocent of allegations he had persuaded Pryce to accept penalty points for speeding, in an incident in March 2003.Huhne has insisted he is innocent of allegations he had persuaded Pryce to accept penalty points for speeding, in an incident in March 2003.
He has indicated, however, that he would resign his cabinet post if charged, while battling to clear his name.He has indicated, however, that he would resign his cabinet post if charged, while battling to clear his name.
Patrick Wintour writes today that the Prime Minister has been drawing up plans for a cabinet reshuffle should Huhne step down. Before Starmer's announcement is made, the cabinet secretary, Sir Jeremy Heywood, will be told, to give the civil service time to finalise contingency plans for a reshuffle, Patrick writes. Last night Cameron was rearranging a regional tour to be able to take swift decisions.Patrick Wintour writes today that the Prime Minister has been drawing up plans for a cabinet reshuffle should Huhne step down. Before Starmer's announcement is made, the cabinet secretary, Sir Jeremy Heywood, will be told, to give the civil service time to finalise contingency plans for a reshuffle, Patrick writes. Last night Cameron was rearranging a regional tour to be able to take swift decisions.
Sandra Laville has more on the background to the police investigation here.Sandra Laville has more on the background to the police investigation here.
We'll be following developments and reaction here.We'll be following developments and reaction here.
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