Purnell warns Brown to stand down to stop Labour’s inevitable election defeat
June 5th, 2009 - 1:57 pm ICT by ANI
London, June 5 (ANI): A leading member and Minister in the Gordon Brown’s Government, James Purnell, has warned the Prime Minister that he should stand down to stop Labour Party’s inevitable election defeat, after tendering his resignation.
Prunell’s resignation is a serious blow to Brown and comes after two other Cabinet ministers walked out earlier this week.
The Telegraph quoted Purnell as saying that his move was not “a plot” and that he had not told other Cabinet ministers that he intended to stand down.
However, his exit could open the floodgates and lead other MPs and ministers to demand Brown’s removal.
Purnell said he would not be a candidate in any leadership election. His resignation, announced as polls closed for local and European election results that are expected to be disastrous for Labour, came after senior backbench MPs began organising to oust the Prime Minister.
The departure of Purnell, an avowed follower of Tony Blair and possible future leader, follows the resignation of Hazel Blears, the Communities Secretary.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister is disappointed by the resignation of James Purnell.” (ANI)
- Resigned Blairite Ministers plotted to topple Brown - Jun 07, 2009
- Fourth British minister quits, Brown urged to step down (Lead) - Jun 05, 2009
- Third minister steps down from Brown's government - Jun 05, 2009
- British PM accused of 'female window dressing' - Jun 06, 2009
- Brown told Blair 'You ruined my life': Book - Feb 25, 2010
- Brown's wife launches 'lasagne offensive' to woo cabinet members - Jul 06, 2009
- Murdoch urged Brown to curb Brit Govt. pressure in phone hacking case - Apr 10, 2011
- Brown set for humiliating third place in June 4 elections - May 10, 2009
- After Iraq war, Blair was in deep depression and wanted to quit - Feb 28, 2010
- Blair says Brown "effectively blackmailed" him over cash-for-honours scandal - Sep 01, 2010
- Gordon's bigot gaffe could seal poll outcome for Labour - Apr 29, 2010
- Not offended for not being invited to wedding: Blair - Apr 29, 2011
- David Miliband to run for Labour party leader - May 13, 2010
- Blair plotted to stop Brown from succeeding him as British PM: Report - Aug 29, 2010
- Blair felt Brown was 'mad, bad and dangerous' - Jul 14, 2010
Tags: cabinet ministers, downing street, election defeat, election results, european election, floodgates, follower, future leader, gordon brown, hazel, james purnell, labour party, leadership election, mps, polls, prime minister, resignation, spokesman, telegraph, tony blair
