Police to question former cabinet minister in 'cash for honours' inquiry

13 April 2012

Former cabinet minister Estelle Morris could face questioning by police over the 'cash for honours' inquiry, it emerged.

She would be asked about her time as Education Secretary and the role played by one of her former advisers, Sue Campbell.

Campbell, a 57-year-old former teacher, worked as a consultant to two government departments between 2000 and 2003. Detectives want to know if she was used by Labour to woo former large scale donors to the Tory party.

In particular, officers are focusing on a knighthood given to millionaire property developer Sir John Beckwith in 2002.

Sir John, who received his honour for services to youth sport, was a major contributor to the Tory party during the Major years.

Police have been told that one of the methods used by Labour to persuade wealthy Tories to help government projects was to shower them with patronage, and, on some occasions, honours.

After receiving his knighthood, Beckwith was twice approached with requests for backing for the government's flagship City academies programme.

He was asked to pump in £2 million to set up a specialist sports college.

But on both occasions, he turned down the opportunity because he was not happy with the detail of each project.

Campbell worked as a 'non political' adviser to both the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Education and Skills.

But since 1995, she has also worked for the Youth Sport Trust - which was founded by Sir John - and is now chairman of UK Sport, formerly known as the Sports Council.

Police want to know what part Campbell played in Sir John being recommended for a knighthood because of her dual role at the trust and as adviser to two government departments.

A spokesman for the Youth Sport Trust said : "No comment" when asked if Campbell had been in contact with the police over the matter.

Miss Morris, who now sits in the House of Lords as Baroness Morris of Yardley was Education Secretary when Sir John was knighted in 2002. She quit several months later after admitting that she was not up to the job.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, who also worked with Campbell, has already denied playing any part in Sir John's knighthood.

A spokesman for the millionaire property developer - worth around £250 million - said he had not been approached by the police.

But he added: "It is true that he was approached by officials looking for backing for city academies. But he was not happy with the projects and declined to get involved."

Sir John, 59, was a donor to the Conservative Party during the final years of John Major's government and launched the secretive 'Premier Club' fundraising scheme for businessmen. He gave at least £500,000 to the Tories.

The former pupil of Harrow School is the uncle of party girl Tamara Beckwith.

Last Monday Des Smith, one of three men to be arrested in connection with the inquiry, returned to a police station for further questioning.

Mr Smith, a former Government adviser was arrested after suggesting to an undercover reporter that those who made donations to the Government's city academies could expect to be rewarded with honours.

Scotland Yard said he was bailed to return for further questioning at a later date. Detectives are still planning to quiz officials from all three of the political parties.

Prime Minister Tony Blair is likely to be spoken to within weeks.

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