Huhne on David Blunkett's resignation

11.36.34am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 2nd Nov 2005

Commenting on David Blunkett's second resignation within a year, Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne said:

"Given three successive breaches of the ministerial code of conduct, Mr Blunkett had no real alternative but to resign or become a serious liability for the Government.

"The Blunkett affair has wider ramifications because it is now clear that the Prime Minister and Downing Street should not be responsible for policing the ministerial code, but that it should be done by an independent commissioner who is not affected by personal loyalties. If Mr Blair wants to rebuild trust, he needs to change the system."