33. LETTER
TO
THE
COMMISSIONER
FROM
MR
DAVID
GORDON,
30 MAY
2009
Thank you for your letter dated 14 May 2009 requesting
my help with your inquiries into this matter, and I welcome the
opportunity to do so. The use and meaning of the term 'Private
and Confidential' has been noted, and will be given due respect.
I shall attempt to respond to your queries in the order in which
you raise them.
I can indeed confirm the presence of Ms Jacqui Smith
at the London house [… Road] over both the Christmas and
New Year periods, 2008/09. I witnessed a number of family members
present at that address for several days during that time, and
Ms Jacqui Smith was one of that company.
I was present at my own address, [... Road], from
24-26 December inclusive, and on New Years Eve, 31 December 2008.
This house shares a party boundary with Ms Smith's London property...
In the course of normal movements I had occasion to have sight
of Ms Jacqui Smith at the London house during these periods.
In addition, the presence of Ms Jacqui Smith at […
Road] is normally indicated by the presence of two police protection
officers on duty to the front of the property both whilst she
is staying there, and when her arrival is imminent. These officers
were on duty during the Christmas and New Year periods.
In regard to Ms Smith's presence generally at the
same address, you will understand that I do not keep a record
of events, dates or days of the week. Bearing in mind the fact
that Ms Jacqui Smith MP is a representative of a parliamentary
constituency as well as holding a post as a senior cabinet minister,
I would understand and expect that she has a need to balance these
duties and commitments with some skill.
In this context it is my firm impression that, on
balance, Ms Jacqui Smith is present at [… Road] at least
60% of the time. It is more usual that she is there a significant
part of the working week, during weekdays/nights, although I have
noted occasional periods of extended presence, lasting a full
week or even, on occasion, consecutive weeks. There have been
several weekends when I have been aware of her presence at the
house, although this is less usual. I have no impression that
there is any significant change of pattern during periods of parliamentary
recess.
In support of these assertions, and because of residing
next door, I have noted visually Ms Smith's arrival or departure
in an official escorted car, either late at night or early mornings
on a regular basis. Additionally, I have observed clearly the
presence of her police protection to the front of the house, indicating
when she is staying at the same London address, and have had occasional
casual sight of her at the property.
As regards the summer of 2008, I can vouch for a
regular attendance of police protection to the front of […
Road], indicating Ms Jacqui Smith's presence at the house. Occasionally
there would be no indication of Ms Smith's presence at the house
for approximately a week; however, my observation and impression
supports the view that she was present there more often than not.
In summary, therefore, my own observation and impression
would support Ms Jacqui Smith's account, which you indicate in
your letter, of her presence at [… Road]; specifically during
Christmas 2008, New Year 2008/09, and periods of parliamentary
recess, and also generally from week to week.
I hope I have addressed adequately the issues you
raise in your letter. If you require further information, I should
be happy to help in as much as I am able.
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