PM hints at Cabinet return for Blunkett

Tony Blair has signalled that David Blunkett could be in line for an early return to the Cabinet if Labour wins the general election.

In his first comments since Mr Blunkett's resignation last week, the Prime Minister praised his former Home Secretary as a "tremendous colleague".

Asked if Mr Blunkett could return to frontline politics, Mr Blair said: "I have made my admiration-for David very clear and it remains. He's been a tremendous colleague, he's done a great job for us, first as Education Secretary, then as Home Secretary. The future is something we will have to approach in the future."

The endorsement of Mr Blunkett came despite Sir Alan Budd's findings that the former Home Secretary had helped to fast-track the visa application of the nanny of his former lover Kimberly Quinn.

The Budd inquiry also raised a number of unanswered questions about the conduct of Mr Blunkett

and his officials. But the Prime Minister made clear he felt Mr Blunkett's resignation was punishment enough. "As far as I am concerned, we have drawn a line under that," he told the BBC.

Mr Blair, who had predicted that Mr Blunkett would be exonerated by Sir Alan, also said the former Home Secretary's integrity remained intact.

"He was the person first of all who asked for this inquiry to be set up. He accepted that what he originally thought had happened had not happened.

"But I think Sir Alan Budd also accepted there wasn't some conspiracy or cover-up and I just think a line should be drawn under now and we should move on," he said.

Mr Blair is known to value Mr Blunkett's communication skills, believing he is one of the few senior Labour politicians able to speak directly to voters. The former Home Secretary has already been earmarked for a key role in Labour's election campaign.

An early return to Cabinet would be a huge gamble by the Prime Minister who risks angering Labour MPs who see Mr Blunkett as a liability. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has indicated that Mr Blunkett should not make a frontline comeback.

In contrast to Mr Blair's refusal to condemn Mr Blunkett, Mr Prescott said: "He has been found guilty of the offence. He has paid the price for an offence that was against the ministerial rules."

Despite Mr Prescott's concerns, Mr Blair has proved remarkably forgiving of disgraced ministers. He twice revived the career of his friend Peter Mandelson despite the embarrassment to the party of his double resignation.

Another casualty, Stephen Byers. has also been brought back and played a key role in Labour's local election campaign this June.

Tory leader Michael Howard this week attacked the "revolving door" policy which had seen Mr Mandelson, Mr Byers and Alastair Campbell reinstated at the heart of Labour. "Heads don't roll in this government. They simply take time out," he said.