LONDON: British Energy Secretary Chris Huhne resigned yesterday after being told he will face criminal charges over allegations he dodged a speeding penalty, but vowed to prove his innocence.
Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer announced that Huhne and his ex-wife, Vicky Pryce, will be charged with perverting the course of justice over the alleged incident in 2003. They will appear in court on February 16.
Less than an hour later the Liberal Democrat legislator, who played a key role in UN climate change talks in South Africa in December, said he was resigning as secretary of state for energy and climate change to fight the case.
"The Crown Prosecution Service's decision today is deeply regrettable," Huhne said.
"I'm innocent of these charges and I intend to fight this in the courts, and I'm confident a jury will agree. So as to avoid any distraction to either my official duties or my trial defence, I am standing down."
It is alleged that Huhne asked his ex-wife to take penalty points for speeding on his behalf to avoid a driving ban. Motorists who receive more than 12 points on their licence within three years face disqualification.
Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron said he was sorry to see Huhne leave the coalition government, in which Huhne's party are the junior partners, but said it was the "right decision".
Huhne is the second Liberal Democrat minister forced out since the May 2010 elections. Liberal Democrat business minister Ed Davey, who has been praised for his handling of the part-privatisation of the Royal Mail, will replace Huhne in the tough job of pushing a green agenda in the face of considerable Tory scepticism.
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