Blunkett says innocent in nanny visa row

But Blunkett, one of Prime Minister Tony Blair’s most trusted allies, insisted it was part of a wider process last year to speed all pending applications prior to new charges.

‘‘I have done nothing wrong … They prove absolutely nothing,’’ Blunkett said of the letters.

Blunkett, a 57-year-old divorcee, hoped to defuse criticism by setting up an inquiry to be led by former civil servant Alan Budd. But critics say it should be led by a judge to guarantee its independence, and encompass all the claims of favours towards Blunkett’s US-born former lover Kimberly Quinn, publisher of the Spectator. —Reuters