Menu
16/12/2004
Clarke in as Home Secretary on Blunkett resignation
Following the yesterday's resignation of David Blunkett, Charles Clark has been elevated to the Home Office in a quick Cabinet reshuffle.
Mr Blunkett stepped down as Home Secretary yesterday when it was revealed that an email from Mr Blunkett had sought to fast-track a visa application from his former lover's nanny.
The email which said "no favours but slightly quicker" finally led to Mr Blunkett falling on his sword and resigning as Home Secretary.
Taking over from Charles Clarke as Education Secretary is Ruth Kelly, 36, is the youngest member of the Cabinet.
Mr Blunkett's demise was swift. At 11am, No. 10 restated that the 57-year-old Home Secretary, who has become embroiled in a series of personal crises and associated allegations of abuse of power, had "the full confidence of Mr Blair", but at 6pm yesterday he was giving resignation interviews to the media.
The decision of Mr Blunkett to resign is viewed as a body blow for Mr Blair; for Mr Blunkett, 57, it is a career tragedy.
Paying tribute to Mr Blunkett opposition politicians said that he had made the right decision, but today the Tories called for a more wide reaching inquiry to be held.
Mr Blunkett said that his career had been wrecked by a failed relationship with Mrs Kimberly Quinn, with whom he claims to have fathered a son.
Yesterday, there were further allegations that Mr Blunkett had speeded-up a visa application for the nanny, Miss Casalme, to visit Austria.
Although a report from a Whitehall inquiry headed by Sir Alan Budd had not been expected until Monday December 20, it emerged that there had been an exchange by emails and fax with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate.
This was the final nail in the coffin, and Mr Blunkett, who looked strained and close to tears in television interviews, claimed that he could not remember details of any such exchanges other than in an attempt to deal with a "backlog in general".
(SP)
Mr Blunkett stepped down as Home Secretary yesterday when it was revealed that an email from Mr Blunkett had sought to fast-track a visa application from his former lover's nanny.
The email which said "no favours but slightly quicker" finally led to Mr Blunkett falling on his sword and resigning as Home Secretary.
Taking over from Charles Clarke as Education Secretary is Ruth Kelly, 36, is the youngest member of the Cabinet.
Mr Blunkett's demise was swift. At 11am, No. 10 restated that the 57-year-old Home Secretary, who has become embroiled in a series of personal crises and associated allegations of abuse of power, had "the full confidence of Mr Blair", but at 6pm yesterday he was giving resignation interviews to the media.
The decision of Mr Blunkett to resign is viewed as a body blow for Mr Blair; for Mr Blunkett, 57, it is a career tragedy.
Paying tribute to Mr Blunkett opposition politicians said that he had made the right decision, but today the Tories called for a more wide reaching inquiry to be held.
Mr Blunkett said that his career had been wrecked by a failed relationship with Mrs Kimberly Quinn, with whom he claims to have fathered a son.
Yesterday, there were further allegations that Mr Blunkett had speeded-up a visa application for the nanny, Miss Casalme, to visit Austria.
Although a report from a Whitehall inquiry headed by Sir Alan Budd had not been expected until Monday December 20, it emerged that there had been an exchange by emails and fax with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate.
This was the final nail in the coffin, and Mr Blunkett, who looked strained and close to tears in television interviews, claimed that he could not remember details of any such exchanges other than in an attempt to deal with a "backlog in general".
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 April 2003
School-leavers encouraged toward voluntary work
Young people from low-income backgrounds are to get extra support to become volunteers for a year after they finish school, college or training.
School-leavers encouraged toward voluntary work
Young people from low-income backgrounds are to get extra support to become volunteers for a year after they finish school, college or training.
05 June 2003
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
14 May 2003
Police to roll out fines scheme for anti-social crime
Police will be able to issue fines of up to £80 as part of a bid to reduce the amount of time they spend on paperwork. A trial scheme has proved to help officers tackle anti-social behaviour, like drunk and disorderly behaviour will be introduced nationwide by the end of the year.
Police to roll out fines scheme for anti-social crime
Police will be able to issue fines of up to £80 as part of a bid to reduce the amount of time they spend on paperwork. A trial scheme has proved to help officers tackle anti-social behaviour, like drunk and disorderly behaviour will be introduced nationwide by the end of the year.
22 July 2004
Recorded violent crime rises by 12%
Recorded violent crime in England and Wales rose by 12% in the past year and crime overall rose by 1% - however, the government's preferred method of assessing crime, the British Crime Survey (BCS), found that overall crime levels fell by 5% - and violent crime also fell by 3%.
Recorded violent crime rises by 12%
Recorded violent crime in England and Wales rose by 12% in the past year and crime overall rose by 1% - however, the government's preferred method of assessing crime, the British Crime Survey (BCS), found that overall crime levels fell by 5% - and violent crime also fell by 3%.
01 November 2005
Blunkett faces increasing pressure
David Blunkett is facing increasing pressure as new allegations that he breached the ministerial code of conduct emerged. On Tuesday, ‘The Times’ revealed that Mr Blunkett had failed to heed the advice of three separate letters, from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, regarding taking jobs while out of the Cabinet.
Blunkett faces increasing pressure
David Blunkett is facing increasing pressure as new allegations that he breached the ministerial code of conduct emerged. On Tuesday, ‘The Times’ revealed that Mr Blunkett had failed to heed the advice of three separate letters, from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, regarding taking jobs while out of the Cabinet.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
