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Honours police arrest Blair aide Honours police arrest Blair aide
(10 minutes later)
Downing Street political adviser Ruth Turner has become the fourth person to be arrested by police investigating the cash-for-honours allegations.Downing Street political adviser Ruth Turner has become the fourth person to be arrested by police investigating the cash-for-honours allegations.
Ms Turner, a senior adviser to Tony Blair, was arrested at 0630 on Friday morning at home but was later released without charge, on police bail.Ms Turner, a senior adviser to Tony Blair, was arrested at 0630 on Friday morning at home but was later released without charge, on police bail.
Police are investigating whether people have been nominated for honours after giving money to political parties.Police are investigating whether people have been nominated for honours after giving money to political parties.
About 90 people have been questioned. All those involved deny any wrongdoing.About 90 people have been questioned. All those involved deny any wrongdoing.
Ms Turner, the director of government relations, effectively the main link between Number 10 and the Labour Party, was questioned by police about the allegations in September.Ms Turner, the director of government relations, effectively the main link between Number 10 and the Labour Party, was questioned by police about the allegations in September.
'Key figure''Key figure'
But on Friday she was arrested in connection with alleged offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses Act) and suspicion of perverting the course of justice.But on Friday she was arrested in connection with alleged offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses Act) and suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
BBC correspondent Carole Walker described her as a "key figure" on Mr Blair's team whose arrest would send "shudders of alarm" through Downing Street.BBC correspondent Carole Walker described her as a "key figure" on Mr Blair's team whose arrest would send "shudders of alarm" through Downing Street.
Tony Blair and former Tory leader Michael Howard are among those who have been questioned by police over the issue.Tony Blair and former Tory leader Michael Howard are among those who have been questioned by police over the issue.
Three other people have been arrested, Lord Levy, the Labour Party's chief fundraiser, Labour donor Sir Christopher Evans and head teacher Des Smith, who was involved in the government's City Academy programme. But until Friday only three people had been arrested, Lord Levy, the Labour Party's chief fundraiser, Labour donor Sir Christopher Evans and head teacher Des Smith, who was involved in the government's City Academy programme.
The inquiry began after it emerged that a number of large secret loans had been made to the Labour Party before the 2005 general election, and that some of those lenders had subsequently been nominated for peerages.The inquiry began after it emerged that a number of large secret loans had been made to the Labour Party before the 2005 general election, and that some of those lenders had subsequently been nominated for peerages.
The investigation has since widened to cover the other main parties.The investigation has since widened to cover the other main parties.
Scotland Yard had been expected to hand over a file on the case in January to the Crown Prosecution Service, which will decide whether any charges should be brought.Scotland Yard had been expected to hand over a file on the case in January to the Crown Prosecution Service, which will decide whether any charges should be brought.
But a police spokesman said: As a result of this new development additional investigation will be required before a final file can be submitted to the CPS."But a police spokesman said: As a result of this new development additional investigation will be required before a final file can be submitted to the CPS."