UK News 29-11-2004 Blunkett Faces The Music who: Home Secretary David Blunkett what: Announces independent inquiry into allegations against him by ex-lover where: LONDON when: Yesterday snippet: "The home secretary, David Blunkett, was forced last night to set up an independent inquiry into allegations that he had broken ministerial rules by fast-tracking a visa application in order to help a former lover," reports The Guardian. The 57 year-old "is determined to clear his name" by disproving allegations made by US-born Kimberly Quinn, publisher of The Spectator magazine, says The Sun. "She accused him of abusing his Government position with a string of favours including fast-tracking her nanny Leoncia Luz Casalme`s visa application." In a statement, he says "I regret the time and resources needed to undertake this, but in the light of the flagrant attempt to link my public position with the deeply personal circumstances of my private life, I believe that on this specific occasion, it is right to lay this accusation to rest." "As well as the visa claims, The Sunday Telegraph said Mr Blunkett, 57, shared confidential security information with Mrs Quinn," reports the BBC. "This included telling her parents to avoid Newark Airport near New York hours before a security scare." [... more]

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