Minister Sutcliffe 'acted properly'

From the archive, first published Monday 26th Mar 2007.

Home Office minister Gerry Sutcliffe, who demanded to know whether senior probation officials backed or opposed a keynote policy, did not act improperly, a spokesman insisted.

Bradford South MP Mr Sutcliffe, according to an e-mail allegedly seen by a national newspaper, asked for a list of "positive champions, more negative chiefs and those who were broadly neutral".

It was sent by his private secretary as the minister faced a potential rebellion by Labour backbench MPs over controversial plans to increase the role of the private sector in the service.

Shadow Home Secretary David Davis told the paper it was "entirely improper" to seek out civil servants to be used to promote a Government policy to MPs.

But the Home Office insisted yesterday: "There is no question the minister acted improperly or sought to undermine the political impartiality of his private office.

"It is normal that the opinions of stakeholders are canvassed and assessed before a Bill is published as often they are on the front line delivering the policies.

"It is also normal to identify those supporting voices for proposed legislation."

Last week Mr Sutcliffe categorically denied serious allegations made against him by a newspaper concerning a lobbying firm.

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