Blair's chief fundraiser held in honours inquiry

The Metropolitan Police said a man had been arrested "on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice".

British police investigating the alleged awarding of honours in return for political contributions on Tuesday arrested Prime Minister Tony Blair's chief fundraiser on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

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The Metropolitan Police said a man had been arrested "on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice" at a London police station and later released on bail. It said he had previously been arrested on July 12 in connection with the cash-for-honours inquiry.

The police did not name the suspect, but the only person arrested on July 12 in connection with the investigation is Lord Levy, Blair's chief fundraiser and tennis partner.

Police are investigating allegations that honours - such as seats in the House of Lords and knighthoods - were given to individuals who loaned money to Blair's Labour Party or the main opposition Conservatives.

Blair has acknowledged that some supporters who offered loans were later nominated for honours, but has insisted that he did nothing wrong.

Three other people have been arrested - Sir Christopher Evans, a biotechnology entrepreneur; Des Smith, a government adviser; and Ruth Turner, Blair's director of government relations. Blair was questioned by police at his 10 Downing St.