Menu
24/09/2008
Kelly's Resignation Signals Cabinet Reshuffle
As political commentators mull over Gordon Brown's key speech to the Labour party conference yesterday, one of the Prime Minister's top cabinet members has announced her intentions to resign.
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly confirmed this morning she is to sidestep from frontline politics, in order to spend more time with her young family, prompting Mr Brown to deny speculation of further voluntary ministerial departures.
However, the latest shake-up has signalled a cabinet reshuffle - set for late next week.
The PM insisted Ms Kelly told him of her intentions to quit as early as May - a decision made on a purely personal basis, according to Mr Brown.
"I talked to Ruth in May about this. We are very good friends because we worked together in the Treasury for many years," Mr Brown said.
The Transport Secretary will not step-down immediately, and is expected to preside over her department until next week's government reshuffle.
Political commentators have hinted that the reshaping of the cabinet is designed to assert the Prime Minister's authority.
Speculation is rife as to who will be ousted from their current jobs, however, David Miliband, who supporters have touted as the next party leader, has expressed a desire to remain Foreign Secretary.
He said: "I'm very happy doing the job I am doing."
And despite ongoing economic turmoil, Chancellor Alistair Darling is expected to stay at the Treasury.
The Prime Minister is expected to fair well in opinion polls following yesterday's well-received speech, during which he dispelled "novice" opponents - a reference to Tory leader David Cameron - and served-up free prescription medication for cancer patients in England.
Many have hinted that Mr Brown's address to delegates may have been enough to secure his 15-month tenure as Prime Minister.
However, the Labour party still lags behind the Conservatives in opinion polls by some 20 points.
(PR/JM)
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly confirmed this morning she is to sidestep from frontline politics, in order to spend more time with her young family, prompting Mr Brown to deny speculation of further voluntary ministerial departures.
However, the latest shake-up has signalled a cabinet reshuffle - set for late next week.
The PM insisted Ms Kelly told him of her intentions to quit as early as May - a decision made on a purely personal basis, according to Mr Brown.
"I talked to Ruth in May about this. We are very good friends because we worked together in the Treasury for many years," Mr Brown said.
The Transport Secretary will not step-down immediately, and is expected to preside over her department until next week's government reshuffle.
Political commentators have hinted that the reshaping of the cabinet is designed to assert the Prime Minister's authority.
Speculation is rife as to who will be ousted from their current jobs, however, David Miliband, who supporters have touted as the next party leader, has expressed a desire to remain Foreign Secretary.
He said: "I'm very happy doing the job I am doing."
And despite ongoing economic turmoil, Chancellor Alistair Darling is expected to stay at the Treasury.
The Prime Minister is expected to fair well in opinion polls following yesterday's well-received speech, during which he dispelled "novice" opponents - a reference to Tory leader David Cameron - and served-up free prescription medication for cancer patients in England.
Many have hinted that Mr Brown's address to delegates may have been enough to secure his 15-month tenure as Prime Minister.
However, the Labour party still lags behind the Conservatives in opinion polls by some 20 points.
(PR/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 April 2008
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
19 January 2011
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
06 January 2010
Brown Ballot 'Plot' Underway
Former Cabinet allies of the Prime Minister have proposed holding a secret ballot on his leadership, it emerged today. Ex-ministers Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt's move came as a shock within political circles this afternoon, with many expecting a General Election to be called within weeks.
Brown Ballot 'Plot' Underway
Former Cabinet allies of the Prime Minister have proposed holding a secret ballot on his leadership, it emerged today. Ex-ministers Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt's move came as a shock within political circles this afternoon, with many expecting a General Election to be called within weeks.
02 June 2003
Prime Minister completely sure of weapons ‘evidence’
Rejecting calls for an inquiry into the veracity of the government’s claims that Iraq held weapons of mass destruction, prime minister Tony Blair has said he stands "100%" behind the evidence presented.
Prime Minister completely sure of weapons ‘evidence’
Rejecting calls for an inquiry into the veracity of the government’s claims that Iraq held weapons of mass destruction, prime minister Tony Blair has said he stands "100%" behind the evidence presented.
08 January 2010
PM Challenge 'Over'
A potential plot to oust Prime Minister Gordon Brown from within the Labour Party "is over", 'orchestrator' Geoff Hoon said today. Former Defence Minister Mr Hoon, along with fellow ex-Cabinet member Patricia Hewitt, emailed all Labour MPs this week suggesting a secret ballot should be held on Mr Brown's future leadership.
PM Challenge 'Over'
A potential plot to oust Prime Minister Gordon Brown from within the Labour Party "is over", 'orchestrator' Geoff Hoon said today. Former Defence Minister Mr Hoon, along with fellow ex-Cabinet member Patricia Hewitt, emailed all Labour MPs this week suggesting a secret ballot should be held on Mr Brown's future leadership.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
