Tory issues apology in 'homes for votes'

The leader of Westminster council today apologised following a report into the "homes for votes" scandal.

Councillor Simon Milton, leader of the Conservative group on the council, was a confidant of Dame Shirley Porter who was found guilty of misconduct during the Eighties.

She is still being pursued for £37million in surcharges.

Mr Milton, who was not named in the report, said: "As leader of today's council I apologise for the mistakes of some of my predecessors. We are determined those mistakes will never be repeated."

His comments came after district auditor John Magill published his final "public interest report" on the issue. He said there should be no further investigation.

The scandal involved selling council homes in marginal wards to residents likely to vote Conservative. At the same time homeless tenants were moved into asbestosridden tower blocks in safe Labour areas.

The aim was to ensure that Conservatives retained control of the council.

Labour leader on Westminster council, Simon Stockhill, said of Mr Milton: "He has been shown to have personally played a central role in this appalling abuse of power.

"He places personal political ambition and the interests of the Conservative Party above the health and welfare of vulnerable families."

Labour councillor Paul Dimoldenberg said: "How can anyone have any confidence that a council run by councillor Milton will take seriously the recovery of the £37 million Porter surcharge?"