Blunkett finds support ebbing fast

David Blunkett's support among senior ministers was ebbing dangerously yesterday amid allegations that a second visa was "fast tracked" for his ex-lover's nanny.

The home secretary was looking increasingly vulnerable, with senior colleagues privately questioning whether his battle to survive could be won. Labour MP Bob Marshall-Andrews yesterday added to Blunkett's problems with a devastating attack, describing him as "seriously unbalanced".

In a new blow, it was revealed that nanny Leoncia Casalme was quickly given a visa to travel to Austria after his then lover, Kimberly Quinn, promised to "make a phone call".

Blunkett's spokesman admitted that Mrs Quinn raised the visa issue with him but insisted that neither he nor his officials did anything to help.

Although less serious than previous allegations being investigated by former civil servant Sir Alan Budd, the new storm could not come at a worse time for the minister.

After three weeks of disclosures, public feuding with Quinn and the revelation that Blunkett criticised his colleagues' abilities, some ministers are questioning his future.

One senior cabinet minister, who has not been known to fall out with Blunkett, admitted to being uncertain about whether the home secretary could survive. "I don't know what will happen is the honest answer to that."

Comments on colleagues

The minister said Blunkett's comments about John Prescott, Jack Straw and Gordon Brown had damaged his support within cabinet. "There was a hell of a lot of anger."

Marshall-Andrews said of Blunkett yesterday: "I think one is dealing here with someone, who in appearance certainly to many people in the Commons and the country, is quite seriously unbalanced."

Marshall-Andrews said he should resign and claimed the prime minister was only protecting him on "the Caligula principle".

Supporters of Blunkett believe he will be safe if he can last another week, after which MPs leave for the Christmas break. But the crunch day is Monday when he faces the possible publication of the Sir Alan Budd's report, a debate and vote on ID cards and Home Office Questions in the Commons.

Sir Alan is said to have been told of the new nanny allegations during his inquiry into the original claim that Blunkett helped gain UK residence for her.

Miss Casalme's description of the events implied that someone had pulled strings to help her get an Austrian visa after she was initially told she had missed the deadline.

Miss Casalme said she then called Quinn who told her: "OK Luz, I will make a telephone call." She was sent back to the embassy."

There was a lady at the door for me. She just said, 'Miss Casalme?' I said 'yes' and went into the waiting area."

After handing over her passport, she was given a date a few days later when it would be ready.

- Evening Standard