December 15, 2004: David Blunkett Resigns, Charles Clarke Takes Over

Charles Clarke is the new Home Secretary. This follows the resignation of David Blunkett as Home Secretary. In his resignation letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Blunkett said he was proud of his achievements at the Home Office, but said that it would be 'more than he could bear' if allegations which have arisen because of his private life were to over shadow the very real achivements of the government and the Home Office.

Tony Blair said Mr Blunkett had been a 'truly outstanding Cabinet Minister' as both Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Education and Employment and that he accepted Mr Blunkett's resignation with 'great regret'. The Prime Minister added that David Blunkett as Home Secretary had led radical change and had reformed the criminal justice system in favour of the victim, delivered record numbers of police and further falls in crime.

However, Mr Blunkett was also considered by some to be a tough and authoritarian Home Secretary. He also took decisive and speedy action to create the National Offender Management Service, a radical new correctional organisation which combined the probation and prison services, following the publication of the Carter Report.