Blunkett denies dig at Brown's PM ambitions

David Blunkett moved to patch up his relationship with Gordon Brown today after appearing to criticise the Chancellor's ambition to become Prime Minister.

The Home Secretary denied his remarks were a swipe at Mr Brown, insisting he had been talking about his own career prospects.

In today's New Statesman, Mr Blunkett predicted Tony Blair had the "drive" to remain at No 10 for years and added: "It's important that those of us who are... at the very cutting edge of government. . . don't presume that we should be immediately taking somebody else's job."

Aides said his comment was intended to douse speculation he was keen to move on.