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Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly was today urged to consider quitting after hiring private detectives to investigate local Conservatives.
Tory members in his Huntingdon constituency condemned his startling decision to call in investigators following a storm about his expenses.
The multimillionaire MP admitted he may have overreacted in his bid to find out who was spreading allegations. But he denied doing anything unlawful.
One of the alleged targets of the investigation, Derek Holley, the former Tory leader of Huntingdon council, said: “He's got to consider his position as a justice minister, I would have thought. I'm very angry about it.”
Tory district councillor Jason Ablewhite called on Mr Djanogly to “explain his actions” to the local party.
The controversy is deeply embarrassing to the Government as it comes during the latest furore over phone hacking at the News of the World when Andy Coulson, now David Cameron's communications chief, was editor. Mr Coulson has repeatedly denied he knew about the practice.
Mr Djanogly's ministerial job was this morning not believed to be under immediate threat. A No 10 source said: “We can't condone this action. He himself has admitted he overreacted, that's where we will let it lie. He will be judged on his work as a minister.”
But shadow justice minister Maria Eagle called on him to reflect on his job.
"Mr Djanogly has shown an extraordinary lack of judgment, which is deeply worrying in someone who holds such a responsible position," she said.
"I agree with one of the victims of his snooping, that he should now consider his position as a Justice Minister."
Justice Secretary Ken Clarke was said to still have confidence in Mr Djanogly. But his position could be jeopardised should the Information Commissioner, which is overseen by the Justice Ministry, launch a probe. Mr Djanogly called in investigators Morris Chase International after allegations in the Telegraph that he claimed £13,000 in public funds for a cleaner who was also allegedly employed as an au pair. He strongly denies any wrongdoing and had a meeting with his association on the matter.
Another of the people approached by the private sleuths was Sir Peter Brown, according to the Telegraph which was said to have obtained a copy of the report compiled which reportedly cost more than £5,000. Sir Peter was Mr Djanogly's agent and had also worked for ex-prime minister Sir John Major.
Mr Djanogly said: “I felt I had to act to find out who was spreading these untrue stories... I would never have contemplated condoning anything unlawful and dishonest in the investigations, and the investigators have assured me their inquiries were carried out in an entirely lawful manner.
“With hindsight I can see that I may have overreacted, but I was being subjected to very malicious, anonymous attacks on my family.” He stressed he had not used public funds to pay for the report.
Morris Chase International denied any wrongdoing.
Reader views (8)
Djanogly is and always was a spoilt Djoke.
- Steve, Brentford, 12/09/2010 00:06
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This man should resign from his role many very wealthy people believe that that should be allowed to do whatever they want if this had been the average man in the street they would have be called barmy.
- Mike Melbourne, Bedford, 11/09/2010 11:10
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Djanogly is a paranoid Djerk....End of.
- Steve, Brentford, 10/09/2010 20:20
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Just think, This piece of idiocy did this when he was in opposition, now he is a Minister in the justice department, what will his Stasi staff be up to next , Oh at your expense of course.
Vile Tory filth
- Kerry, Purley, 10/09/2010 11:31
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Having come accross various menbers of this fmily in my working career this neither surprises me nor makes me change my views of them.
Arrogant doesn't even begin to cover it even the odious Alan Clake wouldn't stoop this low.
- Duncan, Kent, 10/09/2010 10:42
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"Eavesdroppers hear no good of themselves"?
- Steve, London, England, 10/09/2010 09:50
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So tax payers were made pay his au pair's wages. This just confirms the opinion I have held all along - that MPs are the scum of the earth.
- R.F.York, Yorks, UK, 10/09/2010 09:06
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Out of curiosity, who paid for them, let me guess the tax payer.
- shallotman, Basildon, 10/09/2010 08:51
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