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03/06/2009
Blears' Shock Resignation
A high-profile cabinet minister, Hazel Blears has resigned from the government, in a shock move set to further damage embattled Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Communities Secretary, Ms Blears' announcement came in the wake of news Home Secretary Jacqui Smith also intends stand down from Mr Brown's cabinet.
Both women have come under fire for controversial expenses claims, as a furore over the system continues to rock Parliament.
Children's Minister Beverley Hughes also announced she would be leaving the cabinet for family reasons.
Tomorrow's European and local English council elections are expected to prompt a Labour front bench reshuffle.
Ms Blears was mooted to go, as well as Ms Smith. Chancellor Alistair Darling is also predicted to lose his position at 11 Downing Street.
Ms Blears, who paid back £13,000 - over claims she avoided capital gains tax - said she will now concentrate on 'grassroots' politics in her capacity as MP for Salford.
This morning she said: "My politics has always been rooted in the belief that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things, given the right support and encouragement.
"The role of a progressive government should be to pass power to the people. I've never sought high office for the sake of it, or for what I can gain, but for what I can achieve for the people I represent and serve."
It is believed Ms Blears was annoyed Mr Brown had publicly criticised her over the expenses allegations, having always denied any wrongdoing.
Senior Tories have been quick to brand Ms Blears decision a "calculated attempt to destablise the prime minister".
Shadow Cabinet Member Theresa May told the BBC: "Frankly, the game is up for Gordon Brown. We are seeing the dying days of this Labour government."
Ms Smith - the first ever female home secretary - continued to align herself with Mr Brown yesterday, stating he still had her "utmost respect".
(PR/BMcC)
Communities Secretary, Ms Blears' announcement came in the wake of news Home Secretary Jacqui Smith also intends stand down from Mr Brown's cabinet.
Both women have come under fire for controversial expenses claims, as a furore over the system continues to rock Parliament.
Children's Minister Beverley Hughes also announced she would be leaving the cabinet for family reasons.
Tomorrow's European and local English council elections are expected to prompt a Labour front bench reshuffle.
Ms Blears was mooted to go, as well as Ms Smith. Chancellor Alistair Darling is also predicted to lose his position at 11 Downing Street.
Ms Blears, who paid back £13,000 - over claims she avoided capital gains tax - said she will now concentrate on 'grassroots' politics in her capacity as MP for Salford.
This morning she said: "My politics has always been rooted in the belief that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things, given the right support and encouragement.
"The role of a progressive government should be to pass power to the people. I've never sought high office for the sake of it, or for what I can gain, but for what I can achieve for the people I represent and serve."
It is believed Ms Blears was annoyed Mr Brown had publicly criticised her over the expenses allegations, having always denied any wrongdoing.
Senior Tories have been quick to brand Ms Blears decision a "calculated attempt to destablise the prime minister".
Shadow Cabinet Member Theresa May told the BBC: "Frankly, the game is up for Gordon Brown. We are seeing the dying days of this Labour government."
Ms Smith - the first ever female home secretary - continued to align herself with Mr Brown yesterday, stating he still had her "utmost respect".
(PR/BMcC)
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12 June 2009
Hazel Blears 'Enormously Regrets Timing Of Resignation'
Former communities secretary Hazel Blears has admitted she "enormously" regrets the timing of her resignation from the Government. The Salford MP - who stood down just before the local and European elections - told the Manchester Evening News that after thinking "long and hard" she was sorry about the way she made the move.
Hazel Blears 'Enormously Regrets Timing Of Resignation'
Former communities secretary Hazel Blears has admitted she "enormously" regrets the timing of her resignation from the Government. The Salford MP - who stood down just before the local and European elections - told the Manchester Evening News that after thinking "long and hard" she was sorry about the way she made the move.
23 September 2008
Britain 'Not Broken', Say Top Ministers
The notion of a 'Broken Britain' has been smashed by the women heading-up homeland security and social cohesion. Jacqui Smith and cabinet colleague Hazel Blears rejected claims that modern culture has created a generation of disenfranchised youths.
Britain 'Not Broken', Say Top Ministers
The notion of a 'Broken Britain' has been smashed by the women heading-up homeland security and social cohesion. Jacqui Smith and cabinet colleague Hazel Blears rejected claims that modern culture has created a generation of disenfranchised youths.
08 August 2005
Government considers ‘ethnic rebranding’
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears has suggested that ethnic minority groups could be ‘renamed’ in order to express pride in both their ethnic roots and their Britishness.
Government considers ‘ethnic rebranding’
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears has suggested that ethnic minority groups could be ‘renamed’ in order to express pride in both their ethnic roots and their Britishness.
02 August 2005
‘No racial profiling’ says Blears
Police should not use ‘racial profiling’ during anti-terror investigations, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears has warned. Speaking ahead of a meeting with senior Muslim leaders today, Ms Blears said that police should only use stop-and-search powers based on intelligence and not by targeting specific racial groups.
‘No racial profiling’ says Blears
Police should not use ‘racial profiling’ during anti-terror investigations, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears has warned. Speaking ahead of a meeting with senior Muslim leaders today, Ms Blears said that police should only use stop-and-search powers based on intelligence and not by targeting specific racial groups.
19 June 2009
Blears Avoids MP Deselection
Former cabinet minister Hazel Blears has won her fight to remain the Labour party's candidate in her home constituency at the next general election. Ms Blears avoided deselection by her party's Salford officials, despite members circulating a motion of no confidence in the former Communities Secretary.
Blears Avoids MP Deselection
Former cabinet minister Hazel Blears has won her fight to remain the Labour party's candidate in her home constituency at the next general election. Ms Blears avoided deselection by her party's Salford officials, despite members circulating a motion of no confidence in the former Communities Secretary.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
