Possible Blunkett return irks Tories
Conservative Party leader, Michael Howard, has criticised the Prime Minister for backing former Home Secretary David Blunkett to make a speedy return to Government.
Mr Blunkett resigned after the Budd inquiry found that an email had been sent from his office asking for special attention to be paid to a visa application for his former lover’s nanny.
There was though no direct link found by the inquiry between Mr Blunkett and the email.
At the time, Tony Blair said that Mr Blunkett had left office with his “integrity intact” and repeat the same sentiment yesterday during an interview.
He told the Today programme that he hoped Mr Blunkett would return to Government, saying: “I’m not making any guarantees or definitive statements about it.
“You can never tell what happens in politics, but I think he is someone who has an immense amount to give to the country.”
Mr Howard, for his part, said the scandal cast an indelible blemish on the Blair administration, adding he was “very surprised” by the vote of confidence.
Mr Howard told the BBC: “In a speech I made after Mr Blunkett had resigned, I said that heads don’t roll in this government – they just take time out.
“I think what Mr Blair said bears out what I said.”
“Mr Blunkett’s conduct was found wanting on this occasion, and it was very serious because it involved the process of government.”
Mr Howard added: “So I was surprised at what Mr Blair said – perhaps I shouldn’t have been, given the history of other people who’ve resigned in disgrace from this government and have been brought back.”
