Clarke confirmed as new Home Secretary
Charles Clarke has been confirmed by Downing Street as the new Home Secretary.
In a short statement to journalists in Westminster, Mr Clarke first paid tribute to his predecessor saying that: “David has been an absolutely outstanding Home Secretary” adding that he wished “him the best in his own life”.
On his new job, he said it is a “tremendous honour to come back to this department” and: “The challenge I see.is to ensure that every citizen in every community feel sure that they live in a secure community.”
Mr Clarke made no detailed statement on policy aspects beyond saying that there would be continuity between him and Mr Blunkett, and that: “I strongly believe in ID cards”
Stepping into his shoes as Education Secretary will be Cabinet Office Minister Ruth Kelly.
The two promotions come after the resignation this evening of David Blunkett.
Ms Kelly takes her first seat in the Cabinet in what it is a big promotion. Ms Kelly has long been seen as a high flyer and was well liked in her role as Treasury Minister before moving to the Cabinet Office.
Her place in the Cabinet Office – where she was working on policy with Alan Milburn – is taken by another high flyer, the Schools Minister David Miliband.
There will still be more coming and goings as it has not yet been confirmed who will be taking over in education from Mr Miliband.
