Goldsmith should step aside

NOW that Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has recused himself from any involvement in the cash-for-ermine investigations, it's time for the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith to follow suit.

Sir Ian rightly says his close working relationship with the Prime Minister makes it inappropriate for him to have any or knowledge of charges which might be brought.

And the Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald, a former colleague of Tony Blair's QC wife Cherie, has also removed himself from handling the case.

With Downing Street bracing itself for a call from the Yard's finest, and fearing the Prime Minister will be interviewed under caution, the public will want a copper bottomed assurance that there will be no attempted cover-up at the highest levels of Government of any alleged wrongdoing by No 10.

The Attorney General's personal consent is required to proceed with prosecutions for certain types of offences, including corruption. He would normally expect to be consulted by the Crown Prosecution Service over high-profile or complex cases. However, his consent is not required for any charges under the parliamentary honours legislation - the final decision lies with the independent CPS.

The Attorney General is the Government's highest law officer. It is not unusual for the office holder to appear personally in court to prosecute where there is a high degree of public concern. However,he - there's never been a she -  is appointed by the Prime Minister and is a member of the Cabinet. And Lord Goldsmith is a close personal friend of Tony Blair.

If there is a risk that being consulted - should charges be brought - could compromise his position, then the AG should step aside before any potential conflict blows up in the Government's face. There's enough smelly stuff hanging from the ceiling already.