THE TELEGRAPH: Hazel Blears, the Communities Secretary, has resigned from the Cabinet, deepening the political crisis now engulfing Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister.
Dealing a fresh blow to Mr Brown’s fragile political authority in the wake of the MPs' expenses scandal, Miss Blears said the Labour Party has lost its connection with the British people.
“I have told the Prime Minsiter [sic] I am resigning from the Government,” Miss Blears said in a statement. “I am returning to the grassroots. I want to help the Labour Party to reconnect with the British people.
"My politics has always been rooted in the belief that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things.
"The role of a progressive Government should be to pass power to the people.
"I want to help the Labour Party to reconnect with the British people, to remind them that our values are their values, that their hopes and dreams are ours too."
Today's statement was notable for the absence of any expression of backing for the Prime Minister.
Shadow work and pensions secretary Theresa May said the Government was no longer capable of governing and that a General Election was now essential.
"The Government has no answer. They are racked by infighting and they are unable to deal with the real issues that matter to people," she told the BBC News channel. "We need a General Election." >>> By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent | Wednesday, June 03, 2009
