Tory donors quizzed
Updated on 02 October 2006
Four major Tory donors have been quizzed by police over the 'cash for honours' allegations.
Four major Tory donors have been quizzed by police over the 'cash for honours' allegations.
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A leading Tory donor has been questioned under caution by detectives investigating the so-called cash-for-honours affair, it was reported.
Bob Edmiston, who made a multi-million-pound fortune importing cars, loaned he party £2million - money he has since said he does not want repaid.
The Times said he was one of a number of rich benefactors questioned as part of the inquiry, sparked by claims that wealthy Labour backers were being rewarded with seats in the House of Lords.
The scope of the inquiry has since been widened to cover similar claims about the Tories.
Scotland Yard said a number of people had been questioned in relation to its inquiries, but would not identify who they were.
Mr Edmiston's was among nominations for a peerage blocked by a watchdog in the summer, although that was in relation to tax issues.
Others interrogated over the affair, although not under caution, include Lord Laidlaw, Lord Ashcroft and Swedish sports equipment tycoon Johan Eliasch, the paper said.
Earlier this week, one of Tony Blair's top aides, Downing Street director of government relations Ruth Turner, was interviewed under caution.
And another key adviser at Number 10 John McTernan - the PM's director of political operations - is also reported to have been grilled by detectives.
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