New twist in Blunkett affair saga
The woman whose liaison with former Home Secretary David Blunkett helped bring about his resignation is at the centre of another affair claim.
Kimberley Quinn, who Mr Blunkett claims he fathered a child with, is the focus of more media attention after a newspaper journalist admitted that he too had an affair with her.
Simon Hoggart, the Guardian sketchwriter and a columnist at the Spectator magazine which Mrs Quinn publishes, yesterday admitted that he had sexual relations with the married mother-of-two.
Mr Hoggart, 57, originally denied claims in the News of the World newspaper about the affair, but changed his story soon afterwards.
When reports of the relationship first emerged, married Mr Hoggart said: “It’s a vile article, but it’s clearly aimed at harming Kimberly Quinn, and I notice the name of David Blunkett is very prominent in it, but I do not draw any conclusions, but that is what I notice. Of course I am consulting my lawyers.”
He added: “It is just not true. I have said what I am going to say.”
But later in a statement he said: “I would like to clarify reports yesterday relating to my friendship with Kimberly Quinn. Contrary to the impression I gave last night, we did have a sexual relationship, which started before her marriage, but the relationship became very infrequent indeed afterwards.
“There is no possibility that I could be the father of either of her children. I deeply regret the hurt I have caused to my wife and family. I shall have nothing more to say on the subject.”
Mr Blunkett was forced to resign last week after allegations that he misused his position as home secretary in order to fast-track a visa application for Mrs Quinn’s nanny.
He is attempting to prove that he is the father of Mrs Quinn’s son.
