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)