Advisor Escapes Charges
There is "insufficient evidence" to charge former Government advisor Des Smith over the cash-for-honours inquiry, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.
Mr Smith, who was the first person to be arrested by investigating officers last April, had always denied any wrongdoing.
The headteacher used to be an adviser to the body that finds wealthy sponsors for the Government's city academies.
He had allegedly suggested that backers of the flagship Labour schools policy could expect to be rewarded with honours.
The CPS confirmed that it had told the Metropolitan Police that Mr Smith would not be charged with an offence under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.
It said: "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."
Scotland Yard acknowledged the news but said it could make no further comment as "the wider police investigation is still ongoing".
Mr Smith said he was "relieved" by the decision.
Skynews
