A police chief has been accused of performing a spectacular u-turn by failing to initiate a public inquiry into the controversial investigation of Sir Edward Heath.

Angus Macpherson, Wiltshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC), has repeatedly acknowledged the need for an inquiry amid claims that the force’s findings on historical child sex abuse allegations were uncorroborated and failed to justify the time and expense officers were afforded.

But he refused to fund it, according to Sir Edward's supporters, despite confirmation from the Home Office that he has the power to do so.

Lincoln Seligman, the former Prime Minister’s godson, said his reputation must be restored by a judge-led inquiry.

He has written to Mr Macpherson demanding that he fund the probe and stating that he had taken his “frequent declarations” of support in good faith.

“As time went on and you avoided every opportunity to initiate such a review, deploying a number of increasingly ingenious and contorted excuses, I realised that your protestations were wholly insincere,” he wrote.