Former Liberal Democrat MP Chris Huhne.
Photograph courtesy of the University of Salford
Former Liberal Democrat cabinet minister Chris Huhne has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice after claims by his ex-wife that he persuaded her to take his speeding points in 2003.
The offence relates to when Huhne’s car was allegedly caught travelling over the speed limit by a speed camera between Stansted Airport and London., and his ex-wife falsely informed police that she was the driver so that Huhne would avoid prosecution.
Huhne stepped down as Energy and Climate Change Secretary after being charged with the offence last year, and has now also resigned as the MP for Eastleigh, Hampshire forcing a by-election.
Huhne had originally pleaded not guilt to the charges, but changed his plea on the first day of his trial at Southwark Crown Court. His ex-wife has pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice by taking the speeding points on grounds of marital coercion.
Speaking outside the courts today, Huhne said:
“Having taken responsibility for something that happened 10 years ago, the only proper course of action for me is to resign my Eastleigh seat in Parliament, which I will do shortly.”