Man drops private action against Jacqui Smith

A self-employed tour operator has dropped attempts to bring a private prosecution against former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith over the designation of her sister's house as her main residence, it emerged today.

Anthony Weaver, from Holborn, central London, said he would not be applying for a court summons against Ms Smith because he could not afford to cover any possible future legal costs.

The 62-year-old former languages teacher had been hoping to launch a private prosecution against Ms Smith for designating her sister's house in south London, where she stays, as her main home, allowing her to claim back costs for running her family house in her Redditch constituency.

His application for a summons was due to be heard today at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London.

Ms Smith, who stepped down earlier this month as Home Secretary, has insisted that the arrangement was approved by the Parliamentary authorities and that she "fully abided" by the rules in designating her sister's house as her main residence.