Aide to ex-premier had links to a paedophile, MP claims

The Metropolitan Police announced last night that Operation Fernbridge was under way into allegations about child abuse in the early 1980s at the Elm Guest House, in Rocks Lane, Barnes, London.

This follows claims made in October last year by Tom Watson MP, who said a file of evidence used to convict Peter Righton of importing child pornography in 1992 contained “clear intelligence” of a sex abuse gang.

Speaking in Parliament, he alleged a member of the group 
had bragged about links with a senior aide to a former prime minister.

Raising the issue during Prime Minister’s questions, Mr Watson said: “The leads were not followed up, but if the file still exists I want to ensure that the Metropolitan Police secure the evidence, re-examine it and investigate clear intelligence suggesting a powerful paedophile network linked to Parliament and Number 10.”

Scotland Yard stressed the abuse claims were not linked with the current occupants of the address.

In a statement on his website, Mr Watson appealed for witnesses to come forward. “No matter what has happened in the past, now is the time for your voice to be heard.”