Blair question in Cash for Honours probe

5.03.23pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 18th Dec 2006

Tony Blair has become the first ever serving Prime Minister to have been interviewed by police. The police are investigating cash for honours allegations. The probe was sparked by revelations Labour was given secret loans ahead of last year's election, some donors were subsequently nominated for honours.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Norman Lamb said "Clearly this is a very serious matter, and it is important that the police are allowed to continue and conclude their investigations. Whatever the final outcome of the investigation, this sorry episode underlines the vital importance of reforming both the House of Lords and rules relating to party funding. For as long as parties are allowed to accept very large donations from donors and retain the ability to award seats in the House of Lords, it will be impossible to restore public confidence in our political system."