FORMER Conservative leader Michael Howard has backed demands for a full inquest into the death of the government weapons expert Dr David Kelly.

His call came after a group of prominent experts described the official explanation for the scientist’s death seven years ago as “extremely unlikely”.

Lord Howard – who is now a Tory peer – said their intervention confirmed his belief that there should now be a proper inquest.

“In view of the growing number of relevant questions that have arisen and cast doubt on on the conclusions reached by Lord Hutton, I believe it would now be appropriate for a full inquest to be held,” he said.

“Recent evidence by the first police officer on the scene, together with new statements by doctors, raise serious questions which should be considered.

“This has been on my mind for quite a while and recent events have crystallised my view.”

Dr Kelly’s body was found in woods near his Oxfordshire home, in July, 2003, after he was identified as the source of a BBC story claiming the Government “sexed up” its now notorious dossier on Iraq’s supposed weapons of mass destruction.