03/10/2008
Ruth Kelly Announces Departure Amid Cabinet Reshuffle
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has announced she will be standing down as MP at the next general election.
The news comes just weeks after the outgoing-Minister announced she would be leaving the Cabinet to spend more time with her family.
The Northern Ireland-born mother-of-four said it had been an "honour and a privilege" to serve the Bolton West constituency, since she was elected to the position in 1997. She made the announcement at a Labour supporters' meeting in the constituency.
She added: "I've thoroughly enjoyed serving the people of my constituency and intend to continue to keep working diligently for them until the next general election.
"I've taken the area to my heart and will leave with a touch of sadness and fond memories, although I'm sure the decision I have taken is right for myself and my family."
She added: "Labour under the strong leadership of Gordon Brown is well placed to help hardworking families through these difficult times.
"Only a Labour Bolton West MP working with a Labour government will build in the years to come on the solid foundations we've already laid."
The news of Ms Kelly's departure came as it was announced a number of changes will be made to the Cabinet in the next reshuffle.
Sir Digby Jones, the Trade Minister, announced he would be stepping down. The former head of the CBI and member of the House of Lords was made a Minister soon after Gordon Brown took over as Prime Minister in June last year.
However, he intends to return to the private sector.
(JM)
The news comes just weeks after the outgoing-Minister announced she would be leaving the Cabinet to spend more time with her family.
The Northern Ireland-born mother-of-four said it had been an "honour and a privilege" to serve the Bolton West constituency, since she was elected to the position in 1997. She made the announcement at a Labour supporters' meeting in the constituency.
She added: "I've thoroughly enjoyed serving the people of my constituency and intend to continue to keep working diligently for them until the next general election.
"I've taken the area to my heart and will leave with a touch of sadness and fond memories, although I'm sure the decision I have taken is right for myself and my family."
She added: "Labour under the strong leadership of Gordon Brown is well placed to help hardworking families through these difficult times.
"Only a Labour Bolton West MP working with a Labour government will build in the years to come on the solid foundations we've already laid."
The news of Ms Kelly's departure came as it was announced a number of changes will be made to the Cabinet in the next reshuffle.
Sir Digby Jones, the Trade Minister, announced he would be stepping down. The former head of the CBI and member of the House of Lords was made a Minister soon after Gordon Brown took over as Prime Minister in June last year.
However, he intends to return to the private sector.
(JM)
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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.