He quit as Tory chief whip after it was alleged he called Downing Street police officers "plebs", which he denies.

BBC: Andrew Mitchell

The World at One has learned that on Tuesday of last week, the day before the resignation, a senior civil servant - who was at the Cabinet Office, where Mr Mandelson was working at the crucial time in 1998 - was called by Downing Street and asked for any details about the Hinduja contacts.

BBC: Should Mandelson have resigned?

The French and German governments have weighed in, the UK parliament has announced a review, an EADS shareholder has called foul, and Downing Street has threatened to veto.

BBC: BAE Systems-EADS: The rationale

During the call, Mr Sharon spoke of the long-standing friendship between the two countries and set out what Downing Street called his new approach to the peace process, though Mr Blair's spokesman refused to elaborate.

BBC: Blair pledges to work with Sharon

Downing Street called the rise "very disappointing".

BBC: EDF to raise gas and electricity prices by 10.8%

But a Downing Street spokesman called the mansion tax a "stunning admission of economic incompetence".

BBC: Eastleigh by-election: Miliband restates 10p tax pledge

Mr Mitchell denies claims he called officers "plebs" when they refused to let him leave Downing Street on his bike via the main gate last September.

BBC: Andrew Mitchell

Tory MP Andrew Mitchell resigned as chief whip following an accusation that, during an argument while leaving Downing Street on his bicycle in September, he had called police officers "plebs" - a claim he has always denied.

BBC: Trust in police damaged by controversies - Vaz

Last year Mr Mitchell was forced to resign from cabinet over claims he swore at police officers and called them "plebs" after they refused to allow him to cycle through the main gates of Downing Street.

BBC: Andrew Mitchell