Blair stands firm behind Blunkett
The Prime Minister has given his full vote of confidence in the Home Secretary, David Blunkett.
Facing the media at his monthly news conference, the Prime Minister, despite trying to focus on the issue of identity cards and the UK’s Olympic bids, was repeatedly questioned on the allegations of impropriety surrounding Mr Blunkett.
Tony Blair though refused to discuss the allegations in any detail, saying simply that Mr Blunkett has been a “first class Home Secretary” and that he will “continue to do the job with my full support”.
He also said that the possibility of Mr Blunkett’s resignation has never been discussed.
In terms of the principle of private life for politicians, Mr Blair said that private life should remain private – with the only exception being if private actions compromised public life. The Prime Minister emphasised he believed there had been no cross over or impropriety in this case.
Mr Blair pointed out that the Home Secretary had personally insisted on an independent inquiry into the allegations, noting “he could have simply asked the department, many other people would have done so”
The Prime Minister said he supported this inquiry and had nothing else to add – despite being repeatedly pressed on the issue by journalists.
