Now Clarke hits back at Blunkett

A second Cabinet minister today upbraided David Blunkett over his personal attacks on Labour colleagues.

Charles Clarke rejected Mr Blunkett's suggestion he had "taken his foot off the accelerator" as Education Secretary.

"I certainly haven't taken my foot off the accelerator and I haven't gone soft," Mr Clarke said. He had discussed the matter with the Home Secretary who accepted that "what I was saying is right", he said.

His riposte came 24 hours after Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott hit out at Mr Blunkett's "arrogant" views.

In a new biography, Mr Blunkett issues a damning assessment of his Cabinet colleagues, describing Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell as "weak".

But Mr Clarke tempered his remarks, adding: "I'm great supporter of David Blunkett... he's been an outstanding Home Secretary."

The continued fallout over Mr Blunkett's comments came amid reports that an inquiry into claims he helped fasttrack a visa for the nanny of his former lover Kimberley Quinn had been delayed.