Blunkett resigns
2004-12-15 21:30
London - British home secretary David Blunkett has resigned after controversy about claims he fast-tracked a visa for his former lover's nanny.
The allegations are being investigated by former Treasury official Sir Alan Budd.
Blunkett said on Wednesday night that he was quitting after Sir Alan established that there had been an exchange of e-mails about the application between his office and immigration officials.
"I have always been honest about my recollection of events," he said.
"But any perception of this application being speeded up requires me to take responsibility.
Prime Minister Tony Blair said of Blunkett that he had been "a force for good in British politics".
"You leave government with your integrity intact and your achievements acknowledged by all," Blair said in a statement accepting his interior minister's resignation.
- AFP