LONDON (AFX) - Lord Michael Levy, a close ally of Prime Minister Tony Blair, denied any wrongdoing after being arrested by police investigating claims of shady financial dealings by Britain's main political parties.
Levy, the chief fundraiser of the governing Labour Party, was taken to a London police station for questioning before being released on bail.
A spokesman for Levy said he had not been charged and did not expect to be, having committed no offence.
'He vigorously denies any wrongdoing,' the spokesman said in a statement.
He added that the arrest was 'totally unnecessary' and apparently designed to obtain documents that Levy would have willingly provided regardless.
Levy was subsequently released on police bail 'to a date in the future pending further inquiries', the spokesman said.
The Metropolitan Police are exploring allegations that wealthy individuals were nominated for seats in the House of Lords, the unelected upper chamber of Britain's bicameral parliament, after making donations to Labour in 2005.
The main opposition Conservatives and smaller Liberal Democrats have also become embroiled in the so-called 'cash for honours' row. newsdesk@afxnews.com afp/hjp COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited
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