Blair ally Blunkett under fire again

One of British Prime Minister Tony Blair's most loyal but scandal-plagued allies was plunged into fresh trouble yesterday over accusations he broke government rules by taking a corporate job while out of office.

Mr Blair said he still had confidence in Work and Pensions Secretary David Blunkett and tried to draw a line under the matter after Mr Blunkett announced he would sell shares in the company, where he had briefly worked as a director.

But the affair caused fresh embarrassment for both men, just months after Mr Blair resurrected the career of Mr Blunkett, who was forced to quit in a sex and abuse of office scandal last year.

Mr Blunkett had bought shares in the company DNA Bioscience to be held in trust for his children, and worked as a director of the firm before Mr Blair brought him back into government in May. The company has competed for government contracts.