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31/10/2005
Blunkett 'to sell shares'
David Blunkett has announced that he will sell shares held in a DNA testing firm, following claims that he may have breached the ministerial code of conduct.
The Work and Pensions Secretary said that he had asked his sons to authorise the trustees to dispose of shares in the firm DNA Biosciences.
He said that he had made the decision in order to "avoid continuing misinterpretation of the position" and to "protect family and friends from further intrusion".
Prime Minister Tony Blair had earlier given his backing to Mr Blunkett over the claims. Speaking at a Downing Street briefing, Mr Blair said that he had “complete confidence” in Mr Blunkett and said that he should be allowed to “get on with his job, which is very important”.
However, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson confirmed that Mr Blair was seeking advice on whether Mr Blunkett had breached the code. It has also been reported that the Prime Minister had asked the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O’Donnell, to provide advice on the matter.
The row erupted after it emerged that Mr Blunkett had joined the Board of DNA Bioscience before the General Election and following his resignation as Home Secretary, following allegations that he had fast-tracked a visa application for his former lover’s nanny.
It also emerged that Mr Blunkett purchased £15,000 worth of shares in the firm for his sons – stocks that could dramatically rise in value if the company achieves a stock market listing.
According to the official ministerial code, Mr Blunkett should have sought advice from the independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.
Mr Blunkett admitted that he did not seek advice from the Committee, but said that he had been told on a previous occasion that consultation of the Committee was voluntary.
The Conservatives had called for an independent inquiry into Mr Blunkett’s conduct.
In a letter to Mr Blair, Shadow Commons Leader Chris Grayling said: "Mr Blunkett does appear to be in clear breach of the Ministerial Code over his failure to consult the Advisory Committee when he took he took up his directorship. But the real question must be about his judgement in taking the appointment, buying a stake in the company and continuing to meet members of the family that own the company after his return to office.
"My challenge to the Prime Minister is does he feel that this is consistent with both the letter and the spirit of the Ministerial Code?"
(KMcA/SP)
The Work and Pensions Secretary said that he had asked his sons to authorise the trustees to dispose of shares in the firm DNA Biosciences.
He said that he had made the decision in order to "avoid continuing misinterpretation of the position" and to "protect family and friends from further intrusion".
Prime Minister Tony Blair had earlier given his backing to Mr Blunkett over the claims. Speaking at a Downing Street briefing, Mr Blair said that he had “complete confidence” in Mr Blunkett and said that he should be allowed to “get on with his job, which is very important”.
However, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson confirmed that Mr Blair was seeking advice on whether Mr Blunkett had breached the code. It has also been reported that the Prime Minister had asked the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O’Donnell, to provide advice on the matter.
The row erupted after it emerged that Mr Blunkett had joined the Board of DNA Bioscience before the General Election and following his resignation as Home Secretary, following allegations that he had fast-tracked a visa application for his former lover’s nanny.
It also emerged that Mr Blunkett purchased £15,000 worth of shares in the firm for his sons – stocks that could dramatically rise in value if the company achieves a stock market listing.
According to the official ministerial code, Mr Blunkett should have sought advice from the independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.
Mr Blunkett admitted that he did not seek advice from the Committee, but said that he had been told on a previous occasion that consultation of the Committee was voluntary.
The Conservatives had called for an independent inquiry into Mr Blunkett’s conduct.
In a letter to Mr Blair, Shadow Commons Leader Chris Grayling said: "Mr Blunkett does appear to be in clear breach of the Ministerial Code over his failure to consult the Advisory Committee when he took he took up his directorship. But the real question must be about his judgement in taking the appointment, buying a stake in the company and continuing to meet members of the family that own the company after his return to office.
"My challenge to the Prime Minister is does he feel that this is consistent with both the letter and the spirit of the Ministerial Code?"
(KMcA/SP)
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01 November 2005
Blunkett faces increasing pressure
David Blunkett is facing increasing pressure as new allegations that he breached the ministerial code of conduct emerged. On Tuesday, ‘The Times’ revealed that Mr Blunkett had failed to heed the advice of three separate letters, from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, regarding taking jobs while out of the Cabinet.
Blunkett faces increasing pressure
David Blunkett is facing increasing pressure as new allegations that he breached the ministerial code of conduct emerged. On Tuesday, ‘The Times’ revealed that Mr Blunkett had failed to heed the advice of three separate letters, from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, regarding taking jobs while out of the Cabinet.
02 November 2005
Blunkett concedes 'mistakes' and resigns
David Blunkett has resigned from the Cabinet, admitting "I have made mistakes”. The Work and Pensions Secretary said that he was stepping down from the Cabinet in order to “protect the government”. Earlier today at Prime Minister’s Question Time, Tony Blair said that he had “reluctantly accepted” Mr Blunkett’s resignation.
Blunkett concedes 'mistakes' and resigns
David Blunkett has resigned from the Cabinet, admitting "I have made mistakes”. The Work and Pensions Secretary said that he was stepping down from the Cabinet in order to “protect the government”. Earlier today at Prime Minister’s Question Time, Tony Blair said that he had “reluctantly accepted” Mr Blunkett’s resignation.
23 March 2006
NAO chief to advise on ministerial interests
National Audit Office chief Sir John Bourne is to police potential conflicts of interest for Government ministers. The move follows written questions posed by Tessa Jowell following an investigation of her partner's business affairs.
NAO chief to advise on ministerial interests
National Audit Office chief Sir John Bourne is to police potential conflicts of interest for Government ministers. The move follows written questions posed by Tessa Jowell following an investigation of her partner's business affairs.
16 December 2004
Clarke in as Home Secretary on Blunkett resignation
Following the yesterday's resignation of David Blunkett, Charles Clark has been elevated to the Home Office in a quick Cabinet reshuffle. Mr Blunkett stepped down as Home Secretary yesterday when it was revealed that an email from Mr Blunkett had sought to fast-track a visa application from his former lover's nanny.
Clarke in as Home Secretary on Blunkett resignation
Following the yesterday's resignation of David Blunkett, Charles Clark has been elevated to the Home Office in a quick Cabinet reshuffle. Mr Blunkett stepped down as Home Secretary yesterday when it was revealed that an email from Mr Blunkett had sought to fast-track a visa application from his former lover's nanny.
25 October 2004
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
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