Des Smith is a London headmaster with Labour links who was caught on undercover film saying that educational donations would secure donors an honours. The police thought they had enough on this minor player, but the BBC report that he is
not to be charged. Within this article, I note this revealing quote from the CPS.
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
To me, this implies very strongly that there
is evidence that others were trying to obtain funding for
the Labour Party other organisations in exchange for honours. Looks like the News Of The World may have
hit the nail on the head. Your thoughts?
6 comments:
That was my take as well, though the Beeb are reporting it as Downing Street would be relieved
The Beeb are a rabble. Their reaction is expected.
I think your reading of this is spot on PT. Plod must be under tremendous pressure to clear some, or all, of the key players in this sordid saga. The fact that they haven't done so at this time clearly indicates that charges will be made.
I suspect there may also be an element of 'reward' for Smith for assistance rendered.
Nope. I disagree (see my blog). Smith has been let off because there is no evidence against him for abuse of honours or of perverting the course of justice. If his actions do not amount to evidence of the former, it is unlikely there is hard evidence against anyone of that, so the Downing Street lot will be done for the latter offence. Unfairly, in my view, but I shall enjoy the fireworks nonetheless.
Danvers..Smith was so far down the food chain it was always fairly obvious that he couldn't be charged with any abuse of honours. He had no influence whatsover in the award of honours so clearly couldn't abuse any such awards. He was only ever what the Australians call a 'spruiker'. This is the guy who stands outside the seedy 'adult entertainment establishment' advertising the wares and services within. It was always the club owners and managers who were nicked.
Eloquently put, Graham E.
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