Cash for honours: worth investigating?

Perhaps the most high-profile suspect, Tony Blair's fundraiser Lord Levy wasn't keen about greeting the press when he was arrested in July last year.

And there were even dawn raids at the home of one of Tony Blair's closest aides, Ruth Turner. One of her colleagues, who was also questioned by police, spoke of his relief this morning.

Despite the decision by the CPS today, opposition parties still maintain Labour's fundraising was suspicious.

The police investigation looked into four of the loans, from property developer Sir David Garrard, Priory chief executive Chai Patel, curry tycoon Sir Gulam Noon and stockbroker Barry Townsley.

All were nominated for honours, which were then refused or blocked. Hidden emails were also discovered, refering to Ps and Ks - peerages and knighthoods.

Lord Levy was arrested again, suspected of perverting the course of justice.

At first the police focused on exactly who knew about these loans, and if promises of honours were explicitly made. There were then allegations that crucial Downing Street emails were hidden from the police.

Then the investigation widened. A headteacher was the first to be arrested. Des Smith was fundraising for the city academies - he has always denied offering honours.

The affair had the potential to damage Tony Blair's legacy and reputation. He was heckled the day after his police interview - now it's been left to others to restore trust in politics.

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