Energy Secretary Chris Huhne was under more pressure last night after it emerged his partner had boasted of her links to Cabinet ministers.

Lobbyist Carina Trimingham supposedly offered to use her political contacts as she looked for work last month.

She reportedly told a lobbying firm that she had “excellent contacts... from Cabinet members to more junior ministers”. In her job application, she was said to have urged her potential employer to “make use of my skills and contacts”.

Ms Trimingham responded by saying as a former political journalist she had many friends and acquaintances.

“I have worked in communications and public relations. Obviously in any role I take, it will not involve energy and climate change and there will be no conflict of interest,” she said.

Mr Huhne’s office said there was “no question of a conflict of interest” as the Secretary of State understood his partner did “not intend to accept any work that touches on his departmental responsibilities”.

Jon Trickett, Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, said the “revelations raise serious questions” and underline the “urgent need for the register of lobbyists and proper regulation”.

Prosecutors are “very close” to making a decision on whether to pursue Mr Huhne over claims he dodged a speeding penalty.