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02/06/2009
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith 'To Step Down'
Britain's first female Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is to stand down from her post, in the forthcoming reshuffle, according to reports.
The minister, who has faced widespread criticism in the ongoing expenses scandal, is thought to have told Prime Minister Gordon Brown two months ago that she wished to step down in the reshuffle.
However, there is no indication that Ms Smith will resign from her post as MP for Redditch, where she has a 2,716 majority.
The Home Secretary has been condemned for listing her sister's house as her main home for expenses, and faced further humiliation by inadvertently claiming for two pornographic films watched by her husband.
She is also said to have bought her husband - employed as her assistant - a £240 Apple iPhone on her office expenses.
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward has been linked to the Home Secretary role, in the reshuffle.
It has also been widely speculated that Chancellor Alistair Darling may also be moved, with the Liberal Democrats calling for him to be sacked over his own expenses claims.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls is the most likely candidate to replace Alistair Darling as Chancellor.
Reports of Ms Smith's decision to step down, come on the same week Children's Minister Beverley Hughes and former Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced they would be stepping down at the next election, citing "family reasons".
Meanwhile David Chaytor, who is accused of claiming for a mortgage that was already paid off, announced he will not stand in the next election.
(JM/BMcc)
The minister, who has faced widespread criticism in the ongoing expenses scandal, is thought to have told Prime Minister Gordon Brown two months ago that she wished to step down in the reshuffle.
However, there is no indication that Ms Smith will resign from her post as MP for Redditch, where she has a 2,716 majority.
The Home Secretary has been condemned for listing her sister's house as her main home for expenses, and faced further humiliation by inadvertently claiming for two pornographic films watched by her husband.
She is also said to have bought her husband - employed as her assistant - a £240 Apple iPhone on her office expenses.
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward has been linked to the Home Secretary role, in the reshuffle.
It has also been widely speculated that Chancellor Alistair Darling may also be moved, with the Liberal Democrats calling for him to be sacked over his own expenses claims.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls is the most likely candidate to replace Alistair Darling as Chancellor.
Reports of Ms Smith's decision to step down, come on the same week Children's Minister Beverley Hughes and former Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced they would be stepping down at the next election, citing "family reasons".
Meanwhile David Chaytor, who is accused of claiming for a mortgage that was already paid off, announced he will not stand in the next election.
(JM/BMcc)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
