ENERGY Secretary Chris Huhne may be quizzed by cops over claims he tried to dodge a drive ban by talking someone into accepting speeding points on his behalf.

ENERGY Secretary Chris Huhne may be quizzed by cops over claims he tried to dodge a drive ban by talking someone into accepting speeding points on his behalf.
Lib Dem Mr Huhne, who denies the allegations, is facing calls to step down if an official investigation is launched.

Yesterday a tape of a phone call emerged in which he urges an unnamed witness not to talk to the media.

Mr Huhne says: "If I were you... do not talk. I would have thought you would not want to talk."

In the tape, obtained legally by The Sunday Times, he adds: "There is no way that there is any evidence for this story, unless you decide to give some legs to it by saying something. OK?"

Mr Huhne's estranged wife Vicky Pryce, 57, claimed last week he had "pressurised people" to take penalty points. She added: "He does drive a bit like a maniac." Last night it was claimed Mrs Pryce was the driver who took the blame for the speeding offence.

She has supposedly told pals she is prepared to co-operate with cops.

Essex Police acted after a formal complaint from Labour MP Simon Danczuk about the alleged incident in the county in 2003. A spokesman added: "The information will be passed to officers who will decide if an investigation will be launched."


Mr Danczuk called on Mr Huhne to step down if there is an inquiry. He said: "These are very serious allegations. We're talking about perverting the course of justice."

A spokesman for Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said: "Nick and Chris spoke last week. Chris denied the allegations and nothing has changed since then."