A member of Tony Blair’s inner circle was arrested yesterday on suspicion of
perverting the course of justice by police who are investigating the
loans-for-peerages allegations.
Ruth Turner, the Downing Street director of government communications, was
woken at 6.30am and questioned for four hours at a London police station. The
Times understands that her arrest relates to missing correspondence that
discusses Labour lenders and nominations for peerages.
She was questioned about contact with Sir Christopher Evans, the biotech
tycoon, who has also been arrested as part of the inquiry, sources said.
The disclosed accusation of perverting the course of justice shows that the
police have turned their attention towards an attempt to cover up the sale
of honours, as revealed in this newspaper last month.
Ms Turner, known as Mr Blair’s gatekeeper, reports directly to Jonathan
Powell, the chief of staff, and plays a role in controlling access to the
Prime Minister. She was interviewed previously under caution in September
last year in relation to e-mails uncovered by detectives during a search of
Downing Street files.
The documents raised questions about which Labour lenders may be placed on a
list to be submitted to the House of Lords Appointments Commission, sources
told The Times.
Ms Turner was also asked about “e-mail traffic” that appeared to have been
sent both to and from her work station.
In a statement released by No 10, Ms Turner said: “I have already given the
police two lengthy interviews and made it clear to them that I was happy to
speak to them again at any stage. I have been completely open with the
police throughout and will continue to co-operate with them fully . . . I
absolutely refute any allegations of wrongdoing of any nature whatsoever.”
Mr Blair said yesterday that he continued to have complete confidence in Ms
Turner. In a statement, he said: “Ruth is a person of the highest integrity,
for whom I have great regard and I continue to have complete confidence in
her.”
Scotland Yard said that Ms Turner’s arrest at her London home 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
spokesman said that this new development would require officers from the
Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Directorate to carry out additional
investigations.
Labour had been hoping that the investigation and any resulting action would
be over before Mr Blair leaves office, giving Gordon Brown, who is almost
certain to be his successor, a chance to make a fresh start. Charges as
serious as perverting the course of justice could mean that the party will
have a cloud over it for much longer.
Ms Turner becomes the fourth person to be arrested in the inquiry, after Mr
Blair’s personal fundraiser, Lord Levy, Sir Christopher and the former
education adviser Des Smith. The police inquiry began in March after the
House of Lords rejected nominations for four millionaire backers — Chai
Patel, Sir Gulam Noon, Sir David Garrard and Barry Townsley — whose names
were put forward for peerages by the Prime Minister. Mr Blair was questioned
at No 10 shortly before Christmas but was not arrested or cautioned.
The possibility of charges on perverting the course of justice was discussed
by the CPS last year after meetings with police. Such charges can be brought
if a person tries to interfere with an investigation that might bring
criminal proceedings. The charge, which carries a maximum life sentence, was
used against Jonathan Aitken and Lord Archer of Weston-super-Mare.
Friends of Ms Turner were furious at the manner of her arrest. One said: “Four
policemen turned up. They questioned her for hours and then she was allowed
to go. That has undoubtedly damaged her reputation and nobody has charged
her with anything. What the hell is going on here?”
Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney-General, dismissed suggestions that he would
stand aside from decisions about whether to prosecute over the
cash-for-honours investigation. In a letter released by a Commons committee
yesterday, Lord Goldsmith said that Lord Falconer of Thoroton, the Lord
Chancellor, was wrong to give an assurance that he would not get involved in
the case.
Line of inquiry
April 21, 2005 The Times reveals that political parties are
taking huge loans in secret March 8, 2006 The first Labour lender, Chai
Patel, complains about his nomination to be a peer being blocked
March 21 The police announce that they are making inquiries
into offences under 1925 honours laws
April 13 The head teacher Des Smith is the first person to be
arrested over the scandal
July 12 Lord Levy, Labour’s chief fundraiser and a close ally
of Tony Blair, becomes the second person to be arrested and bailed by the
police
September 21 The businessman and Labour donor Sir Christopher
Evans is arrested
September 29 Ruth Turner, the Downing Street director of
government relations, is questioned by the police for the first time
November 16 Scotland Yard detectives reveal that they are in
possession of “significant and valuable material”
December 14 Tony Blair is interviewed by the police
December 18 The Times reveals that the investigation has
widened to include investigations into allegations of perverting the course
of justice
January 19, 2007 Ruth Turner is arrested and questioned over
honours and perverting the course of justice. Later released on bail
Sarah Birke
