'No charges' against head in cash-for-honours row

There is not enough evidence to charge headteacher Des Smith over Scotland Yard's cash for honours inquiry, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said today.

Mr Smith, formerly an adviser to the body that finds wealthy sponsors for the Government's city academies, was the first person to be arrested in connection with the inquiry in April last year.

He had allegedly suggested that backers of the flagship Labour schools policy could expect to be rewarded with honours. His lawyers said he "categorically" denied the claims.

In a statement today, the CPS said it had advised the Metropolitan Police that there was "insufficient evidence" to charge Mr Smith with an offence under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.

"Mr Smith has been advised of this decision," the CPS said.

The CPS said that although Mr Smith had made "indiscreet" comments to an undercover journalist, this did not amount to evidence of an attempt to obtain cash for honours.

Police inquiries in relation to Mr Smith had been completed and it was therefore right to make a decision in his case, a spokeswoman added.

The CPS statement continued: "Mr Smith's case concerned funding for City Academies. It did not involve allegations concerning loans or donations to political parties.

"We do not expect any further evidence to come to light relating to him.

"Although it is clear that Mr Smith made some indiscreet comments to an undercover journalist, his conversations did not provide evidence that he was trying to obtain funding for City Academies in exchange for honours.

"Police enquiries relating to Mr Smith have been completed and the CPS is therefore in a position to take a decision on his case.

"In such circumstances it is right and appropriate that the individual involved is notified at the earliest opportunity.

"We have taken this decision in consultation with Counsel, David Perry QC. The Attorney General's Office has been informed."