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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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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.
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.
10 August 2009
Hazel Blears' Car Damaged In Manchester Attack
Salford MP Hazel Blears' car has been attacked while she canvassed for local support in Manchester. The former cabinet minister's Citroen Xsara Picasso was left with a damaged front window and two slashed tyres following the incident near the junction of Cemetery Road and Eccles New Road in Weaste.
Hazel Blears' Car Damaged In Manchester Attack
Salford MP Hazel Blears' car has been attacked while she canvassed for local support in Manchester. The former cabinet minister's Citroen Xsara Picasso was left with a damaged front window and two slashed tyres following the incident near the junction of Cemetery Road and Eccles New Road in Weaste.
12 May 2009
New Government Strategy Heralds Minimum Design Standard
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and Culture Secretary Andy Burnham have urged councils and developers to put good planning, local character and high quality design at the heart of development.
New Government Strategy Heralds Minimum Design Standard
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and Culture Secretary Andy Burnham have urged councils and developers to put good planning, local character and high quality design at the heart of development.
08 April 2009
A Bigger Role For Communities In Inspiring Young People
Young people will get extra encouragement to unlock their talents as part of a £10m Inspiring Communities initiative, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announced today. The Government's New Opportunities White Paper argued that social mobility has improved in recent years. Some 600,000 youngsters have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade.
A Bigger Role For Communities In Inspiring Young People
Young people will get extra encouragement to unlock their talents as part of a £10m Inspiring Communities initiative, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announced today. The Government's New Opportunities White Paper argued that social mobility has improved in recent years. Some 600,000 youngsters have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
