Blunkett under new pressure to quit

Last updated at 16:14 30 October 2005


Pressure was tonight mounting on David Blunkett over claims he may have broken ministerial rules. The Work and Pensions Secretary could have breached the Ministerial Code of Conduct when he took a job with a DNA testing firm.

The Government has defended Mr Blunkett, but the Conservatives say he should quit if he has broken the rules.

The row centres on Mr Blunkett's appointment as a director of DNA Bioscience before the general election. He was in the job for just two weeks, resigning when he was re-appointed to the Cabinet.

But the official code suggests he should have sought the advice of the independent advisory committee on business appointments before taking up the job.

Mr Blunkett conceded he should have contacted the committee, But he said when he sought its advice on another occasion he was told it was voluntary. He has now asked the Cabinet Secretary to clarify the procedure.

Shadow leader of the House, Chris Grayling, last night demanded an investigation. Shadow home secretary David Davis, who was instrumental in securing Mr Blunkett's resignation as Home Secretary last year, stepped up the pressure on the beleaguered minister.

"If he broke the procedure then I am afraid he will have to go again, but I have not looked in detail at the case," he said.

"If he has admitted to a breach of the ministerial code I think he would have to step down again, but I haven't seen the details so I cannot comment authoritatively," he Sky News.

Liberal Democrats pile in

The Liberal Democrats also joined the criticism, claiming Mr Blunkett's personal problems mean he is not focused on his job. Mr Blunkett, meanwhile, defended his actions.

A spokesman said: "As we have already stated, Mr Blunkett was involved with DNA Bioscience for two weeks, which fell during the general election and while Parliament was prorogued.

"Had Mr Blunkett not returned to Government, there would have been time to seek clarification in regards to the committee, accepting as he does its helpful role.

"Mr Blunkett believed that he was acting within the ministerial code, but with hindsight it might have been better if he had written to the committee prior to parliament returning." Cabinet Office Minister John Hutton leapt to Mr Blunkett's defence.

"Knowing David as I do, he is a decent, honourable man with integrity and I don't think there is any argument to suggest the contrary," he said.

Mr Hutton told ITV1 Mr Blunkett was an "effective, popular" minister who was doing a good job.

Mr Blunkett quit as Home Secretary last year over the fast-tracking of a visa application for his ex-lover's nanny.

In recent weeks he has faced continuous questioning over his connections with the DNA firm.

Mr Grayling last week called for an independent inquiry into his relationship with the company after it was disclosed that he had bought shares in it in trust for his sons.

Mr Blunkett said there was no conflict of interest between the shareholding and his official duties as Work and Pensions Secretary.

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