Huhne says sorry for May story tip-off

ENERGY Secretary Chris Huhne has said he left a voicemail message apologising to the Home Secretary for tipping off a national newspaper about further embarrassing revelations concerning her party conference speech.

Mr Huhne admitted yesterday he had told a Guardian journalist about a story that suggested a section of Theresa May’s address, which sparked a public spat with colleague Ken Clarke over claims an illegal immigrant dodged deportation because he had a pet cat, appeared to have been lifted from a speech made by Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

He said yesterday he had listened to two recordings of Mrs May’s speech and of one from Mr Farage, and was so amused by the similarity he told a reporter friend who had telephoned him.

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The explanation came after Mr Huhne, who is waiting to hear whether he will be prosecuted over allegations he claimed his estranged wife was behind the wheel when he was caught speeding, told the BBC that Transport Secretary Philip Hammond had recently been punished with penalty points for speeding.

But it was claimed yesterday afternoon that Mr Huhne’s claims were “incorrect”.

Sources close to Mr Hammond said: “Chris Huhne should check his facts. Philip has always been open that he has had points in the past but they have now expired.

“To say he has been caught speeding recently is incorrect.”