Hutton replaces Blunkett as U.K. pensions chief

John Hutton was named Britain's work and pensions secretary today, replacing David Blunkett, who resigned. Mr. Hutton was the cabinet office minister, largely responsible for working with the prime minister's office to coordinate policies and operations across governmental departments. Mr. Blunkett resigned amid controversy over his failure to tell an advisory committee about some private-sector appointments he had while briefly out of government earlier this year. At a press conference today, Mr. Blunkett said he had believed that clearing those business appointments was "voluntary and not mandatory. … I am guilty of a mistake," Mr. Blunkett said. "I am paying the price for it and I make no bones about saying that that is my fault."