Chris Huhne: Police contact prosecutors

Chris Huhne his ex-wife Vicky Pryce were interviewed by detectives earlier this week (pa)

Police investigating allegations that Cabinet minister Chris Huhne dodged punishment for speeding have made contact with prosecutors, it was disclosed today.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Essex Police had "opened channels" over the Energy Secretary's case. No evidence files have yet been submitted, and charging advice has not been offered, according to a spokesman.

The Liberal Democrat and his ex-wife Vicky Pryce were interviewed by detectives earlier this week over claims that he persuaded her to accept a penalty on his behalf in March 2003.

Images of Ms Pryce's driving licence have emerged indicating that she received points for an offence in the Essex area on the date in question. However, she is believed to have told police that she was actually at an event in London and Mr Huhne was behind the wheel.

Mr Huhne, who left Ms Pryce for another woman last year, denies the allegations. Both Prime Minister David Cameron and his Lib Dem deputy Nick Clegg have insisted there is no reason he should resign at this stage.