The "cash-for-honours" inquiry took a dramatic new twist today as a key Downing Street aide was arrested by police.
Ruth Turner, director of government relations, was arrested at her home in London under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925 and also on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
Police said that she was interviewed at a London police station and bailed to return at a later date "pending further enquiries".
A Downing Street spokeswoman said the prime minister had "full confidence" in Ms Turner and that she still remained in her job.
The prime minister, Tony Blair, said, in a statement released by 10 Downing Street: "Ruth is a person of the highest integrity for whom I have great regard and I continue to have complete confidence in her."
A couple of thoughts.
According to the BBC (here), Ms Turner was arrested at 6.30am at her home. Was that really necessary? The police could not have waited a couple of hours until she got to the office? It is not as if she was likely to do a runner. Or maybe the police buy into the idea that this is some kind of dramatic scenario, with them starring as Bodie and Doyle.
On the other hand, it is equally intriguing that the Prime Minister should express complete confidence in someone who has just been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
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