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Monday 11th June 2007

Hilary Armstrong MP to leave Government

North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong has announced her to intention to leave the Government when Tony Blair stands down as Prime Minister.

Ms Armstrong has served as a Minister since Labour’s election victory in 1997, holding the positions of Local Government Minister, Chief Whip and lately Cabinet Minister for Social Exclusion & Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

She intends to remain as a Member of Parliament and has recently been re-selected by the Labour Party to fight for her seat of North West Durham at the next election.

In a statement she said;

“I can confirm I am not going to stay in Government after the Prime Minister Tony Blair stands down.”

“It is important for any government to renew after ten years in power – whoever is Prime Minister. As a former Chief Whip, I know the difficulties a PM faces at reshuffle with limited space for manoeuvre. I want to give Gordon Brown some space in his Cabinet to renew.”

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Neil Kinnock, John Smith and Tony Blair. They always knew they could count on my complete loyalty. It will be the same for Gordon Brown. I am very enthusiastic about the future prospects of a Brown-led government.”

“There are many things I want to get on with from the backbenches both nationally and in the constituency and I am looking forward to doing that.”

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