Clarke is not so spooky

A story about Charles Clarke, the Education Secretary, and MI6 emerges from the pages of a new book about Tony Blair's court.

According to authors Francis Beckett and David Hencke, the Secret Intelligence Service offered Mr Clarke - then Neil Kinnock's chief-of-staff - a job after the 1992 general election. Mr Kinnock, the apparent source of the story, was even approached for reference.

It appears Mr Clarke turned down the chance to be a spook in favour of setting up a lobbying firm. But as David Blunkett's difficulties raise the possibility of a reshuffle, could Mr Clarke find himself in charge of the security services as Home Secretary?