Blair to be named in file for CPS over cash for peerages

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Mr Blair one of four suspects at the heart of Government who are at the centre of the Scotland Yard investigation

Tony Blair will be named in a police file to prosecutors on the cash for peerages affair.

He remains one of four suspects at the heart of Government who are at the centre of the Scotland Yard investigation.

Also see

• Tony Blair dismisses cash for peerages row

• Blair hints there will be no charges over cash for peerages

Detectives are believed to have compelling evidence against individuals and are preparing to submit an evidence file to the Crown Prosecution Service which they believe is '110 per cent strong'.

They realise the inquiry will come under intense scrutiny if it goes to court and the case against any suspects has to be watertight.

The revelations partly explain the lengthy delay in bringing the investigation to a conclusion.

Insiders say it is now almost inevitable that police will bring charges against individuals.

Detectives are focusing on the so-called Gang of Four they believe to be at the heart of the inquiry.

They are the Prime Minister, his chief of staff Jonathan Powell, Labour's chief fundraiser Lord Levy and key Downing Street aide Ruth Turner.

Significantly, all four are referred to as 'suspects' by sources close to the investigation.

Officers are said to have discovered emails apparently exchanged between Lord Levy, Miss Turner and Mr Powell.

They were said to be 'indiscreet' and referred directly to 'Ks and Ps' being offered to those who have donated money.

Detectives are now working on building a case that will be presented to the Crown Prosecution Service shortly.

One source said: "Given the political sensitivities of this inquiry they cannot afford to miss anything or leave any stone unturned.

"Normally if you had 60 per cent evidence strength you would go for a prosecution - in this case they will have to have 110 per cent."

Assistant Commissioner John Yates, who is leading the investigation, also led the inquiry into claims that royal butler Paul Burrell had stolen Princess Diana's possessions.

That case collapsed before it came to trial in 2002 after a last-minute intervention by the Queen.

The CPS said today the cash for peerages case would be examined in the same way as any other.

So far, four people have been arrested. They are Miss Turner, Lord Levy, major Labour donor Sir Christopher Evans and headteacher Des Smith.

Last week the CPS announced that there was 'insufficient evidence' to charge Mr Smith with an offence under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.

Police are investigating whether money was donated to political parties in exchange for peerages though the inquiry has since been widened to include claims of a possible cover-up involving an offence of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

All those involved deny any wrongdoing. Both Miss Turner and Lord Levy have been arrested on suspicion of obstructing the inquiry.

Police are expected to question Mr Blair for a third time - possibly under caution.

They are said to be interested in crosschecking his version of events with the account of Lord Levy.

Meanwhile, Gordon Brown's supporters were given a pointed warning today not to disrespect Mr Blair's legacy when he takes over.

Labour Party chairman Hazel Blears said any attempt to dismantle the achievements of Mr Blair would risk voter disenchantment, citing the backlash suffered by former US vice-president Al Gore after Bill Clinton's retirement.

"The idea that we win a fourth term by distancing ourselves from that leadership or by dismissing our own successes is dangerously misguided," she said in an advance copy of a speech being made today to Labour youth activists in Glasgow.

 

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