Former Jarvis chairman cleared over bribery claim

Wessex Water chairman Colin Skellett has been cleared after a police investigation into claims that he accepted a £1m bribe in return for influencing a takeover bid.

Skellett resigned from his position as non-executive chairman of Jarvis in August because of the negative publicity his arrest was causing the company.

He said he was "delighted" with the decision by City of London police that no criminal offences were committed, but added that he was "amazed" the probe had taken so long and criticised officers for actively publicising his name at the time of his arrest.

Skellett has not confirmed whether he will take legal action against the police, as he originally threatened to do.