A senior political adviser to British Prime Minister Tony Blair was arrested today on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
Mr Blair's Director of Government Relations, Ruth Turner, was arrested in London this morning by police investigating cash-for-honours allegations. She was released without charge.
She is the fourth person to be arrested in connection with claims that people gave political donations in exchange for peerages.
Scotland Yard said the new development would delay the delivery of a file on the inquiry to the Crown Prosecution Service, which many in Westminster had been expecting this month.
Ms Turner has rejected any allegations of wrongdoing.
Mr Blair said he had 'complete confidence' in Ms Turner, whom he said is 'a person of the highest integrity'.
