Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat Business Secretary has given his fellow MP Chris Huhne support as police investigate allegations that Huhne asked his ex-wife to accept penalty points on his behalf.

On BBC Radio 4's Today this morning, Mr Cable said: It would be a loss if he went. But he is not talking about going.

He would be a loss because he is a very effective colleague.

Detectives in Essex are expected to question Huhne and his ex-wife Vicky Pryce in the coming days over the penalty points claim.

The alleged incident happened in Essex in 2003 when Huhne was working as a Member of the European Parliament when he is said to have asked someone else to take his penalty points for him.

Police findings will help decide whether or not to launch a formal inquiry.

Huhne has said of the allegations that they have been made before and been shown to be untrue.

On Tuesday Huhne told BBC News: I very much welcome the referral to the police as it will draw a line under the matter.

I don't want to say any more than that, I think the police can get to the bottom of this.

It has been a tough week for the Liberal Democrat- Conservative coalition with a number of stories emerging that has put pressure on the government.

A letter from Liam Fox leaked on Tuesday which disagreed with the Prime Minister's plans to increase foreign aid.

Wednesday saw Labour leader David Milliband call for Justice Secretary Ken Clarke to be sacked after comments about rape sentences on a BBC Radio 5 programme.

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