Tory sleaze report expected soon

The go-ahead for publication of the report into the sleaze allegations against Neil Hamilton, the former Tory minister (pictured), is expected to given next week at the first meeting of the Commons select committee on standards and privileges.

The committee also has to carry out its own investigation on the evidence in the report by Sir Gordon Downey, Parliamentary Commissioner, and it is likely to call Mr Hamilton to give evidence, before producing its own findings.

Gerald Howarth, a Tory MP and friend of Mr Hamilton, yesterday objected that the committee included new members, who would have no experience of Commons procedures. Colin Brown