Today's papers comment on David Blunkett's departure as home secretary.

Telegraph

Political editor George Jones concludes that Blunkett's exit "has brought to a close the toughest political year Tony Blair has faced since becoming prime minister".

He adds that "life at the top has become even more lonely for Mr Blair".

Its editorial says that "as a human being Mr Blunkett deserves great sympathy. As a statesman, he does not".

"The chief beneficiaries are Mr Blunkett's successor, Charles Clarke, and his opposite number, David Davis: both tough, ambitious bruisers. Theirs is the battleground on which the next election may well be decided."

Guardian

The Guardian shows little compassion for the former home secretary.

Its editorial says: "The hard reality is that, whatever sympathies many of us will always have for this very remarkable man, his departure will be widely welcomed, and not solely for the hard-nosed political reasons that brought it about.

"Many people sincerely believe that Mr Blunkett was one of the most destructive and dangerous home secretaries of modern times.

"No politician of modern times has had greater contempt for the rule of law or been readier to express it in public.

"None has been less in awe of the independence of the judiciary. Few have been as cavalier in their disregard of civil liberties or appeared to play faster and looser with the language of liberty and rights. Mr Blunkett's counter to this view is deeply held and serious."

Times

The Times' editorial regrets the loss of David Blunkett's candour, but adds that "the appointment of Charles Clarke will mean that fruity language will not disappear from the Cabinet altogether".

"The broader question is whether that team will be as Blairite in its philosophy and output. The loss of one senior minister does not herald a political winter. But there is a chill in Downing Street."

FT

The FT concludes that "heavy hitters are in short supply" in Tony Blair's Cabinet.

"Mr Blair will press on to the election, but his strategy looks threadbare, and his hopes of further radical reforms in a third term increasingly dismal."

Sun

Political editor Trevor Kavanagh describes the saga as "the most spectacular political drama in living memory".

He adds that if Blunkett "plays his cards right, Tony Blair will make sure he is back in public life before long".

The paper's editorial adds that the government "has lost a politician of immense courage and integrity".

Independent

The Independent argues Blunkett's resignation shows that "if ministers give special treatment to their family or acquaintances, it fundamentally undermines our democracy".

"It is a shame that the career of a man who has succeeded in the face of such profound disadvantages - not least the loss of his sight as a child - has taken such a course. It is not just the abuse of office that will be such a disappointment to Mr Blunkett's supporters, but the manner of his departure."

Mail

Writing in the Mail, Peter Oborne argues Blunkett's resignation is a humiliation not just for the former home secretary, but also for the prime minister.

"Tony Blair is a miser with his personal political capital, and will not do anything rash to endanger his own standing," he writes.

"But he was ready to throw the kitchen sink - and the rest - behind David Blunkett.  He had to. The home secretary's resignation has ripped from the heart of government Mr Blair's most valued and most senior ally."