Resignation threat 'saved' Blair in cash-for-honours scandal

Police investigating the cash-for-honours scandal did not interview Tony Blair under caution because they were told he would resign if they did so, it was claimed last night.

A "political intermediary" told detectives that the Prime Minister's position would become untenable if they interviewed him as a suspect, according to a report in the Sunday Telegraph. The newspaper claims detectives wanted to quiz Blair as a suspect on the second occasion they interviewed him over allegations that honours were exchanged for political donations.

They were keen to clarify points raised in their first session about an alleged cover-up by his senior aides and wanted the interview to be formally admissible.

But the political consequences of a formal interview under caution were spelled out in a series of tense negotiations ahead of the second meeting between Mr Blair and the police.

"Make no mistake, Scotland Yard was informed that Mr Blair would resign as Prime Minister if he was interviewed under caution," a source is quoted as saying. "They were placed in a very difficult position."