David Blunkett does not want people to think
he is cashing in on his time in government
Photograph: Frank Baron
The Times reported today that publishers are offering David Blunkett up to half a million pounds for his memoirs. The man himself is warier. "Sources close to the former cabinet minister" - often code for the man himself - told the paper that any memoirs would appear "in the long term": "He is not going to write anything that would allow anyone to try to claim he was somehow cashing in on his time in government."
It would be understandable if Mr Blunkett were to try and negotiate a book deal while his name is still fresh in the public memory. He needs money for his paternity suit and his salary as a backbencher is not enormous (£59,000), though he earned at least as much again last year through articles, speeches and paid advice to consultants and a charity. Publishers know he talked to his biographer, Stephen Pollard, with unusual frankness - so much so that the two engaged in a spat over what exactly Mr Blunkett said on tape.
But he will be reluctant to write anything that might damage Tony Blair at a time when the prime minister looks vulnerable. And for all his desire to put the record straight, Mr Blunkett must surely want the public to associate him with something other than a dodgy visa, a married woman and two resignations from the cabinet. Dwelling on the past is the last thing he needs. During his stint as work and pensions secretary, Mr Blunkett was a firm believer in the importance of getting depressed individuals off the sofa and into work. Give the man a job.
