Mr Huhne has denied the allegations about a speeding offence in 2003, when he was an MEP A senior detective has been tasked with investigating claims Lib Dem cabinet minister Chris Huhne asked someone else to take his penalty points for a 2003 speeding offence, Essex Police say.
If it is found an offence has been committed, a formal investigation will be launched, Det Supt Tim Wills said.
It comes after Labour MP Simon Danczuk lodged a formal complaint with police.
Mr Huhne denies the allegation – which surfaced after an interview with his estranged wife Vicky Pryce.
Essex Police said: “We are aware of allegations around a speeding offence which is believed to have occurred in 2003. A senior detective from the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate has been appointed to establish if this offence took place and the allegations around it.
“We take allegations such as this one extremely seriously and will take action where necessary.”
Mr Huhne, MP for Eastleigh, is Energy and Climate Change Secretary in the coalition government – and was narrowly beaten to the Lib Dem leadership by Nick Clegg in 2007.
He has been in the spotlight recently for his criticism of the Conservatives over their behaviour during the recent campaign over changing the UK voting system – which saw the two government parties on opposing sides of the argument.
He confirmed last year he was splitting from his wife of 25 years, economist Vicky Pryce, and was in a relationship with another woman.
His office has denied the allegation about a speeding offence dating back to 2003, when he was an MEP, saying they had been made before and been shown to be untrue.
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