No 10 defends minister over 'Chocfinger' links

Downing Street today said the Prime Minister had "full confidence" in International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell as he faced a possible anti-sleaze probe over his links to a cocoa magnate.

Businessman Andrew Ward, who is known as "Chocfinger" and has donated £40,000 to Mr Mitchell's political office, allegedly asked the minister to help reverse a trading ban by Ghana on his company. Mr Mitchell apparently phoned the British high commissioner in Ghana on the matter.

He was referred to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner by Labour MP John Mann. Mr Mitchell denies any wrongdoing.