Blunkett orders review into power abuse allegations

British Home Secretary David Blunkett this evening took the dramatic step of requesting an independent review of allegations that he misused his position to help a former lover.

Mr Blunkett has asked the permanent secretary at the British Home Office, John Gieve, to appoint an independent reviewer to look into the handling of a visa application from nanny Leoncia Casalme, following allegations that he intervened in the case to help her employer, his former mistress Kimberly Quinn.