Key No 10 aide arrested in honours inquiry

The "cash-for-honours" inquiry took a dramatic new twist today as a key Downing Street aide was arrested by police.

Ruth Turner, director of government relations, was arrested at her home in London under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925 and also on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Police said that she was interviewed at a London police station and bailed to return at a later date "pending further enquiries".

In a statement released by No 10, Ms Turner said: "I absolutely refute any allegations of wrongdoing of any nature whatsoever."