Menu
19/06/2009
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.
When Ms Blears left government she said her intentions were to refocus her energies into constituency work.
The MP has since said she regretted the timing of her resignation, which came on the eve of the European and English council elections.
Labour suffered severely at both polls, losing ground to both main opposition parties. The poor result was also blamed on Prime Minister Gordon Brown's faltering support within the cabinet, which sustained a series of ministerial resignations during the prior days.
Last night, Ms Blears told the BBC she was "very, very grateful" that Labour party members had "rallied behind" her.
The event was not without incident, around 30 protesters gathered outside the meeting brandishing banners condemning Ms Blears' recent actions.
"The reaction is that it shows the Labour party in Salford is completely and absolutely out of touch with their own voters," rally organiser Stephen Kingston told reporters.
Ms Blears said: "I am at a loss sometimes to know how I got to this place, but what I've had tonight is the first chance to explain properly to my party members.
"They've not only accepted my explanation, they've rallied behind me.
"I also heard tonight from party members that events of a few weeks do not wipe out 30 years of a record in local and national politics, fighting and being a champion for some of the poorest people in our country," she added.
(PR/JM)
Ms Blears avoided deselection by her party's Salford officials, despite members circulating a motion of no confidence in the former Communities Secretary.
When Ms Blears left government she said her intentions were to refocus her energies into constituency work.
The MP has since said she regretted the timing of her resignation, which came on the eve of the European and English council elections.
Labour suffered severely at both polls, losing ground to both main opposition parties. The poor result was also blamed on Prime Minister Gordon Brown's faltering support within the cabinet, which sustained a series of ministerial resignations during the prior days.
Last night, Ms Blears told the BBC she was "very, very grateful" that Labour party members had "rallied behind" her.
The event was not without incident, around 30 protesters gathered outside the meeting brandishing banners condemning Ms Blears' recent actions.
"The reaction is that it shows the Labour party in Salford is completely and absolutely out of touch with their own voters," rally organiser Stephen Kingston told reporters.
Ms Blears said: "I am at a loss sometimes to know how I got to this place, but what I've had tonight is the first chance to explain properly to my party members.
"They've not only accepted my explanation, they've rallied behind me.
"I also heard tonight from party members that events of a few weeks do not wipe out 30 years of a record in local and national politics, fighting and being a champion for some of the poorest people in our country," she added.
(PR/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 February 2009
Blears Plays-Down Cabinet Leadership Jostle
Government minister Hazel Blears has said mounting media speculation over the future Labour leadership is 'playing into the hands' of David Cameron. Ms Blears, speaking from her constituency, said colleagues needed to "get a grip", and shift focus off who will eventually replace Prime Minister Gordon Brown as the party leader.
Blears Plays-Down Cabinet Leadership Jostle
Government minister Hazel Blears has said mounting media speculation over the future Labour leadership is 'playing into the hands' of David Cameron. Ms Blears, speaking from her constituency, said colleagues needed to "get a grip", and shift focus off who will eventually replace Prime Minister Gordon Brown as the party leader.
23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
23 May 2003
'Frank' new drugs campaign launched
The government has launched a £3 million nationwide drugs awareness programme today for young people to anonymously get information and support on the effects of drug use. The 'Frank' campaign centres on providing young people with credible and reliable information to understand the risks associated with drug use.
'Frank' new drugs campaign launched
The government has launched a £3 million nationwide drugs awareness programme today for young people to anonymously get information and support on the effects of drug use. The 'Frank' campaign centres on providing young people with credible and reliable information to understand the risks associated with drug use.
15 June 2005
Tory MPs to vote on leadership election changes
Conservatives MPs are due to vote tonight on how the leader of the party should be elected.
Tory MPs to vote on leadership election changes
Conservatives MPs are due to vote tonight on how the leader of the party should be elected.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
