Clarke and Jowell praise Blunkett despite criticism

Two more Cabinet members hit back yesterday at David Blunkett's criticism of their performance, as other ministers expressed concern that the controversy surrounding the Home Secretary was refusing to die down.

Two more Cabinet members hit back yesterday at David Blunkett's criticism of their performance, as other ministers expressed concern that the controversy surrounding the Home Secretary was refusing to die down.

Charles Clarke, who succeeded Mr Blunkett as Secretary of State for Education, denied he had gone soft, saying: "I certainly haven't taken my foot off the accelerator. I haven't gone soft." He added: "I have discussed it with David, who I like and respect very much, and he accepts that what I am saying is right."

Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture, admitted she was "very cross" at being branded "weak" by Mr Blunkett in an interview he gave to his biographer Stephen Pollard. But she said he had her full support and was an "excellent" Home Secretary.

Another minister said: "Everyone is talking about the Blunkett [and Kimberly Quinn] saga. It's a big distraction and it's difficult to focus on the normal business of government. We can't go on like this forever."