Senior British government minister David Blunkett resigned last night, ripping a hole in Prime Minister Tony Blair's team months before an expected general election. Sky TV reported that Education Secretary Charles Clarke would replace Blunkett, whose law and order remit ensures a busy run-up ahead of an expected May election. Blunkett's resignation follows weeks of allegations that he abused his position as Home Secretary (interior minister) to fast-track a visa for the nanny of his former lover. An inquiry into that allegation has yet to report but Blunkett said the visa process had been inadvertently accelerated. Pressure had mounted on Blunkett - a staunch ally of Blair who is known for his forthright views - in past days following criticism levelled at fellow ministers in a biography. The claim that the home secretary had abused his position was embarrassing and potentially damaging for Blair, who promised "purer than pure" government when he took power in 1997. **PHOTO CAPTION*** British Home Secretary David Blunkett leaving No. 10 Downing Street in London after a cabinet meeting earlier this year. (AFP)