‘No substance’ to bank probe claims

Serious allegations by an alleged whistleblower about the banking inquiry — which have delayed its completion until next year — have been declared to have “no substance whatsoever”.

A 140-page report on the claims by a barrister released last night concluded that alleged leaks to witnesses and conflicts of interest did not arise during the inquiry’s work.

The whistleblower had also claimed some witnesses had received briefings over dinners by officials linked to the inquiry, which it was claimed were inappropriate.