Catholic minister Ruth Kelly insists her decision to quit the Government is a purely personal one.
The Transport Secretary is stepping down at the next cabinet reshuffle to spend more time with her family.
Her departure comes less than twenty-four hours after Gordon Brown's successful speech at the Labour Party conference.
But it’s a move that overshadows what was thought to be Brown’s most important political speech.
Ms Kelly’s resignation reignites suggestions of a fractured Labour Party.
In his speech, Mr Brown hoped to bury any doubts his over his leadership and claimed it was Labour's "duty" to focus on the challenges facing the country not disagreements within the party.
However, rumours persisted that Kelly had become disenchanted with Mr Brown's leadership. The Conservatives claim she uttered the word 'terrible' after his address.
But Ms Kelly, who's a member of Catholic group Opus Dei, is adamant that she's not leaving because of the Prime Minister's leadership.
“Bringing a front line politician, bringing up 4 your children, being a constituency MP - it’s not been easy all the time. I’ve relied on the support from my family and friends and I now think it’s time to take a step back and to repay them for the support they have given me over the years.”
Ms Kelly says this shouldn't fuel speculation she is unhappy with Brown’s performance. “I can’t think of anyone better.” She said, claiming that Gordon Brown was a towering figure of the Labour party and the right man for the job.
Mr Brown said: "She's been an MP all the time her children have been born. She is a very talented individual and I think the public will understand these are the things that happen when you have to juggle work and family life."
The Labour Party Conference comes to a close today. Chair of the Christian Sociality Movement, Labour MP Alun Michael tells Premier the mood among his colleagues.
“It’s very buoyant. We have had a lot of discussion not just among ourselves but people like the leaders of the free churches who have been visiting,” he said, “We have seen an increase of political engagement not just in the denominations but across faiths, upon which, I believe we can lead.”
No comments:
Post a Comment