The British government has dismissed a claim by former minister Ms Clare Short that an "abuse of power" helped drive Dr David Kelly to his death.
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The former international development secretary described Prime Minister Tony Blair as a "neo-conservative" and said the chain of events leading to the weapons expert's suicide was indicative of Mr Blair's "obsession with spin".
She told the London Independent: "We must deal with Dr Kelly and the abuse of power that helped drive him to his death, but we must also deal with the questions of how we went to war in Iraq and how much half-truth and deceit there was on the way".
Mr Blair's spokesman said: "I don't think that anyone reading the interview this morning will have been in the least bit surprised by anything Clare Short says.
"She has said very similar things in other comments. I think therefore it is best to let Clare speak for herself and we will continue to speak for ourselves".
Number 10 has made no comment about reports that its director of communications, Mr Alastair Campbell, is to quit later this year.
"Alastair Campbell has gone on holiday. We wish him well. He will return in September, to the same job," Mr Blair's spokesman said.
PA
