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Whitehall staff reminded of code - News UK
Posted by:peter 35 days ago • Discuss
As the bitter row over the "mole" intensified, Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell insisted internal systems were in place for staff to raise "matters of concern".
It was vital for the operation of the civil service that individuals put aside their "political beliefs" and kept the "confidence" of ministers, he said.
He made no direct reference in his speech to the case of Christopher Galley, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office earlier this month following a series of leaks from the home Office.
But Sir Gus' words contrast sharply with claims by lawyers for the 26-year-old - a former council candidate who had also applied for jobs at Tory Central Office - that he did nothing wrong by handing embarrassing documents to shadow minister Damian Green.
A senior police officer has been appointed by Acting Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson to review the handling of the police inquiry into Home Office leaks.
Sir Paul has asked British Police Chief Constable Ian Johnston to report to him within seven days.
In the meantime, the investigation team - who last week arrested Conservative immigration spokesman Damian Green - will consult with the Crown Prosecution Service about further steps in the inquiry.
The decision to call him in reflects concern at Scotland Yard over the political furore which has blown up over Mr Green's arrest on suspicion of conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office. The Ashford MP denies all wrongdoing and has been released on bail until February.
MPs have questioned the decision to conduct a police search of Mr Green's House of Commons offices, which some regard as a breach of parliamentary privilege.
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