A POLICE probe may be launched after claims cabinet minister and Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne asked another person to take the rap for his speeding offence.

It follows reports today that Mr Huhne, secretary of state for energy and climate change, allegedly made a secret phone call to the person who accepted penalty points on his behalf.

The 13-minute recording reportedly has Mr Huhne and the unnamed friend discussing the story and how to stop it appearing in the press. At one point he is reported to have said the allegations were untrue.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “This information will be passed to officers who will decide on whether an investigation will be launched.

“We take allegations such as this one extremely seriously and will take action where necessary.”

Police are expected to examine the case for an investigation tomorrow.

Mr Huhne was an MEP at the time of the alleged incident in 2003.

There was no comment from his office.