Ken calls for 'urgent' Dame probe

The scandal ended Dame Shirley's political career

London's mayor Ken Livingstone has asked the government's legal advisor whether charges can be brought against Dame Shirley Porter.

The mayor has written to the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith, calling for an "urgent" investigation into the former leader of Westminster City Council.

Dame Shirley, 76, oversaw the "homes-for-votes" scandal in the 1980s.

The scandal led to council homes being sold to potential Tory voters at a fraction of their market value.

Personal fortune

Two years ago the council accepted £12.3m in settlement of costs estimated at £22m after the Tesco heiress claimed her fortune had dwindled to only £300,000.

However, she recently bought a £1.5m flat in Mayfair, central London, after 12 years in exile in Israel.

Mr Livingstone wrote: "I would ask that there be an urgent investigation into whether Dame Shirley Porter has committed perjury or any other offence at any stage in her court evidence and/or affidavits during the homes for votes scandal."