Brown ‘wants Blears back’
By Alex Stevenson
Gordon Brown has told Hazel Blears he hopes she will return to the government soon, Downing Street has revealed.
The news came on a hectic day in Westminster after the communities and local government secretary’s resignation earlier.
The prime minister’s plea came in his letter to Ms Blears accepting her resignation.
It concludes: “I am grateful for all of your work for the government, wish you and your husband Michael well for the future, and hope it will not be long before you can return to the government.”
Mr Brown appeared keen to adopt a conciliatory stance to Ms Blears during his appearance in the Commons this lunchtime.
And No 10 said any briefings on the PM’s behalf should maintain the positive tone he outlined during PMQs.
Customarily any minister who wishes to stand down from the government can make a statement to the Commons explaining their decision to do so.
If Ms Blears decides to take up this option observers are suggesting Mr Brown could fall soon afterwards, as Margaret Thatcher did following Geoffrey Howe’s resignation speech in 1990.
Analysts say Mr Brown’s complimentary attitude to her – starkly contrasting with his description of her expenses conduct as “completely unacceptable” – may be an attempt to dissuade her from such a move.
Earlier today the prime minister’s spokesman admitted “these are clearly difficult times” but sought to characterise the crisis as reflecting the expenses furore, not a lack of confidence in Mr Brown’s leadership.
Ms Blears’ decision to return to the backbenches is the latest blow to Mr Brown’s premiership, following quickly after the news of home secretary Jacqui Smith’s resignation yesterday.
Mr Brown “respects and understands the decision that she has taken”, No 10 said earlier.
She is expected to be replaced at the imminent reshuffle.
While this remains officially a matter of speculation it is now expected in the coming days – probably by the end of this week, despite tomorrow’s local and European elections.
