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16/09/2008
Scotland Minister Resigns From Government
Minister for Scotland David Cairns has resigned from Gordon Brown's government, Downing Street has confirmed.
The news comes amid the Labour party's refusal to send out leadership nomination forms.
The party's National Executive Committee has dismissed rebel MPs requests for nomination papers, with high profile ministers urging members to show a united front.
So far 12 MPs have challenged the Prime Minister to a leadership contest, including an assistant whip, a party vice chair and a special envoy, who have all since resigned, or been removed, from their posts.
Media speculation had been mounting all day that Mr Cairns would be the first prominent Labour member to call for a leadership change.
Mr Cairns was said to be undergoing "a crisis of conscience", prior to his decision.
Earlier reports had suggested Defence Secretary Des Brown was deployed to gauge Mr Cairns' position.
A Downing Street spokesman has since confirmed: "The Prime Minister has accepted David Cairns' resignation. The exercise of government demands collective responsibility."
The news comes ahead of the Labour party conference, due to be held in Manchester next week.
Under party rules, Labour rebels would need to get the support of 70 MPs to prompt a challenge to Mr Brown's leadership.
The Prime Minister is in Northern Ireland today, holding talks with the devolved assembly at Stormont.
(PR/JM)
The news comes amid the Labour party's refusal to send out leadership nomination forms.
The party's National Executive Committee has dismissed rebel MPs requests for nomination papers, with high profile ministers urging members to show a united front.
So far 12 MPs have challenged the Prime Minister to a leadership contest, including an assistant whip, a party vice chair and a special envoy, who have all since resigned, or been removed, from their posts.
Media speculation had been mounting all day that Mr Cairns would be the first prominent Labour member to call for a leadership change.
Mr Cairns was said to be undergoing "a crisis of conscience", prior to his decision.
Earlier reports had suggested Defence Secretary Des Brown was deployed to gauge Mr Cairns' position.
A Downing Street spokesman has since confirmed: "The Prime Minister has accepted David Cairns' resignation. The exercise of government demands collective responsibility."
The news comes ahead of the Labour party conference, due to be held in Manchester next week.
Under party rules, Labour rebels would need to get the support of 70 MPs to prompt a challenge to Mr Brown's leadership.
The Prime Minister is in Northern Ireland today, holding talks with the devolved assembly at Stormont.
(PR/JM)
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PM Confirms Return Of Labour Donations
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
