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LIVE: Brown fights for his future LIVE: Brown fights for his future
(10 minutes later)
By Jon Kelly and Justin ParkinsonBy Jon Kelly and Justin Parkinson
Key changes: Alan Johnson is home secretary, Defence Secretary John Hutton leaves government. Alistair Darling stays as chancellor. Jack Straw and Lord Mandelson stay where they areKey changes: Alan Johnson is home secretary, Defence Secretary John Hutton leaves government. Alistair Darling stays as chancellor. Jack Straw and Lord Mandelson stay where they are
BBC political editor Nick Robinson says: Johnson, Miliband and Hutton - each could have helped Mr Brown down. Each chose not to. Many Labour backbenchers who were ready to call for a change of leader will now be asking themselves: "If they're not willing to act to end this, why should I?" More at Nick Robinson's blog
Dreaming_aloud tweets:Ken is wrong. All MPs came off badly in the expenses scandal. Labour lost votes by creating unsustainable levels of debt. Read dreaming_aloud's Tweets
David Price from Birmingham says:I'm no fan of Brown's. But how is it that the one thing that is clearly not his fault, is the one thing he is supposed to quit for? MP's are saying "It's outrageous, you let us fiddle our expenses,you should be sacked!" Have Your Say
John from Llandudno says:I smell 1979 and 1997, the story always ends the same. Still they know they are going to be unemployed in a year, they are going to hang onto the last day they are allowed. Have Your Say
1110 David Miliband will be staying as foreign secretary, the BBC understands.
1108 It seems Sir Alan Sugar may receive a peerage as well as being named enterprise Tsar. Apprentice wanabees take not: it may not be "Suralan" for much longer.1108 It seems Sir Alan Sugar may receive a peerage as well as being named enterprise Tsar. Apprentice wanabees take not: it may not be "Suralan" for much longer.
1108 BBC political correspondent James Landale says: Ex-Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been expressing his frustration about the shenanigans of the Labour leadership. His criticism is pretty stinging - but note it's not a direct criticism of Gordon Brown. Mr Prescott is carving out an interesting niche as a vocal voice of the Labour grass roots.1108 BBC political correspondent James Landale says: Ex-Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been expressing his frustration about the shenanigans of the Labour leadership. His criticism is pretty stinging - but note it's not a direct criticism of Gordon Brown. Mr Prescott is carving out an interesting niche as a vocal voice of the Labour grass roots.
B Davies says:Gordon doesn't want Sir Alan Sugar, he needs Paul Daniels the magician. He's good at pulling rabbits out of a hat & illusions. Have Your SayB Davies says:Gordon doesn't want Sir Alan Sugar, he needs Paul Daniels the magician. He's good at pulling rabbits out of a hat & illusions. Have Your Say
Ascylto from Manchester Kingdom says:Sugar as Tsar? Let's have Ross Kemp as Defence Minister, George Clooney as Health Minister and Lady Penelope at Transport! Have Your SayAscylto from Manchester Kingdom says:Sugar as Tsar? Let's have Ross Kemp as Defence Minister, George Clooney as Health Minister and Lady Penelope at Transport! Have Your Say
1106 The expenses row isn't just hurting Labour, it seems. In the Bromsgrove constituency of Julie Kirkbride, who has said she will stand down as an MP over revelations about her allowances, the Conservatives have lost Wythall ward to Wythall Residents Association. But in the ward of Halsdon And Woodbury, Exmouth, the Conservatives appear to have benefitted from the collapse of the Labour vote from 13% to 5%. If this were repeated across Devon, the Tories could take the council from the Lib Dems.1106 The expenses row isn't just hurting Labour, it seems. In the Bromsgrove constituency of Julie Kirkbride, who has said she will stand down as an MP over revelations about her allowances, the Conservatives have lost Wythall ward to Wythall Residents Association. But in the ward of Halsdon And Woodbury, Exmouth, the Conservatives appear to have benefitted from the collapse of the Labour vote from 13% to 5%. If this were repeated across Devon, the Tories could take the council from the Lib Dems.
1055 The expenses row isn't just hurting Labour, it seems. In the Bromsgrove constituency of Julie Kirkbride, who has said she will stand down as an MP over revelations about her allowances, the Conservatives have lost Wythall ward to Wythall Residents Association. But in the ward of Halsdon And Woodbury, Exmouth, the Conservatives appear to have benefitted from the collapse of the Labour vote from 13% to 5%. If this were repeated across Devon, the Tories could take the council from the Lib Dems.1055 The expenses row isn't just hurting Labour, it seems. In the Bromsgrove constituency of Julie Kirkbride, who has said she will stand down as an MP over revelations about her allowances, the Conservatives have lost Wythall ward to Wythall Residents Association. But in the ward of Halsdon And Woodbury, Exmouth, the Conservatives appear to have benefitted from the collapse of the Labour vote from 13% to 5%. If this were repeated across Devon, the Tories could take the council from the Lib Dems.
David from Scotland texts:I can't believe the number of people writing/emailing/texting in to support G. Brown and Labour in general! Open your eyes! Time for a general election. Dickster from Shropshire texts:We were promised an end to the spin & celebrity politics when Brown took over as PM, so what do we get? Alan Sugar as 'enterprise Tsar' in a populist move based on his appearances on a glorified game show!David from Scotland texts:I can't believe the number of people writing/emailing/texting in to support G. Brown and Labour in general! Open your eyes! Time for a general election. Dickster from Shropshire texts:We were promised an end to the spin & celebrity politics when Brown took over as PM, so what do we get? Alan Sugar as 'enterprise Tsar' in a populist move based on his appearances on a glorified game show!
Another reader texts:We don't need an election or change of PM. We need firstly politicians with integrity. This is our priority.Another reader texts:We don't need an election or change of PM. We need firstly politicians with integrity. This is our priority.
1048 Ex-London Mayor Ken Livingstone is typically blunt about the local and European election results, laying the blame squarely on the expenses scandal. "Labour's had an absolute pasting," the north London newt-fancier drawls. "It's because ordinary Labour voters have discovered that people they respected have had their snouts in the trough."1048 Ex-London Mayor Ken Livingstone is typically blunt about the local and European election results, laying the blame squarely on the expenses scandal. "Labour's had an absolute pasting," the north London newt-fancier drawls. "It's because ordinary Labour voters have discovered that people they respected have had their snouts in the trough."
Sres tweets: Alan Sugar Enterprise Tsar? What next, Simon Cowell as chief whip? Read sres's Tweets Sres tweets: Alan Sugar Enterprise Tsar? What next, Simon Cowell as chief whip? Read sres's Tweets
NeilAdam tweets:Gordon Brown, you're fired Read NeilAdam's Tweets NeilAdam tweets:Gordon Brown, you're fired Read NeilAdam's Tweets
Tsoceallaigh tweets: This is an absolute joke. It smacks of the desperate levels that Brown seems to be willing to go down to. Read Tsoceallaigh's Tweets Tsoceallaigh tweets: This is an absolute joke. It smacks of the desperate levels that Brown seems to be willing to go down to. Read Tsoceallaigh's Tweets
1046 Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell hopes that after the "turbulence of yesterday and today", the government will see that "the temperature will drop, the frenzy will drop". Well, weather forecasters have been predicting a cold snap. Political forecasters have been suggesting otherwise.1046 Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell hopes that after the "turbulence of yesterday and today", the government will see that "the temperature will drop, the frenzy will drop". Well, weather forecasters have been predicting a cold snap. Political forecasters have been suggesting otherwise.
Sres tweets: Alan Sugar Enterprise Tsar? What next, Simon Cowell as chief whip? Read sres's Tweets Sres tweets: Alan Sugar Enterprise Tsar? What next, Simon Cowell as chief whip? Read sres's Tweets
1044 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says: John Hutton was one of those ministers who could have helped bring the prime minister down. He has decided not to do so. There are people who have had real doubts about Gordon Brown, but simply do not agree with James Purnell that now is the time to change the leader of the Labour party.1044 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says: John Hutton was one of those ministers who could have helped bring the prime minister down. He has decided not to do so. There are people who have had real doubts about Gordon Brown, but simply do not agree with James Purnell that now is the time to change the leader of the Labour party.
1034 Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy - freshly confirmed in post - insists the newly-resigned John Hutton will not be a destabilising force after quitting as defence secretary. "John Hutton, if this news is confirmed, will be a loyal Labour member of parliament from the backbenches," Mr Murphy insists.1034 Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy - freshly confirmed in post - insists the newly-resigned John Hutton will not be a destabilising force after quitting as defence secretary. "John Hutton, if this news is confirmed, will be a loyal Labour member of parliament from the backbenches," Mr Murphy insists.
1022 BBC Radio 5 Live chief political correspondent John Pienaar: John Hutton, the defence secretary, will be leaving office. Mr Hutton had been a critic of the prime minister within the cabinet. But there will apparently be loyalty from Mr Hutton, and his departure will be described as a personal decision.1022 BBC Radio 5 Live chief political correspondent John Pienaar: John Hutton, the defence secretary, will be leaving office. Mr Hutton had been a critic of the prime minister within the cabinet. But there will apparently be loyalty from Mr Hutton, and his departure will be described as a personal decision.
EmilyRG tweets:We don't even have a functional government anymore, we just have a mess. We need a general election! Now! Read EmilyRG's Tweets EmilyRG tweets:We don't even have a functional government anymore, we just have a mess. We need a general election! Now! Read EmilyRG's Tweets
Atlashill tweets: Brown's retaining Darling & Johnson accepting a new role shows that Labour has no backbone to push for much-needed reform. Read atlashill's Tweets Atlashill tweets: Brown's retaining Darling & Johnson accepting a new role shows that Labour has no backbone to push for much-needed reform. Read atlashill's Tweets
MUSICFANSMIC tweets:Johnston shouldn't be accepting such a big position in such an unhealthy government, he deserves to be the next leader Read MUSICFANSMIC's Tweets MUSICFANSMIC tweets:Johnston shouldn't be accepting such a big position in such an unhealthy government, he deserves to be the next leader Read MUSICFANSMIC's Tweets
1020 Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy is staying put, the BBC understands. So Alan Johnson is still the only minister so far to switch chairs.1020 Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy is staying put, the BBC understands. So Alan Johnson is still the only minister so far to switch chairs.
1019 Time for a quick recap. Here's what we know so far: Alan Johnson is the new home secretary, Jack Straw is staying at justice and Lord Mandelson at business. David Miliband won't be resigning and Sir Alan Sugar will be the government's new enterprise tsar. Early results from the English county council elections show the Conservatives took the new unitary Central Bedfordshire council, where Labour didn't win a single seat. The Liberal Democrats have taken control of the city council in Bristol. Oh and John Prescott has launched a blistering blog attack on Harriet Harman over the election campaign (see entry at 1006 for more detail)1019 Time for a quick recap. Here's what we know so far: Alan Johnson is the new home secretary, Jack Straw is staying at justice and Lord Mandelson at business. David Miliband won't be resigning and Sir Alan Sugar will be the government's new enterprise tsar. Early results from the English county council elections show the Conservatives took the new unitary Central Bedfordshire council, where Labour didn't win a single seat. The Liberal Democrats have taken control of the city council in Bristol. Oh and John Prescott has launched a blistering blog attack on Harriet Harman over the election campaign (see entry at 1006 for more detail)
1019 No wonder Sir Alan Sugar was singing Gordon Brown's praises earlier - the businessman - who was best known for his Amstrad computers but who is now better known as the key man in the BBC television series The Apprentice - has just been offered a job as "enterprise Tsar", the BBC understands.1019 No wonder Sir Alan Sugar was singing Gordon Brown's praises earlier - the businessman - who was best known for his Amstrad computers but who is now better known as the key man in the BBC television series The Apprentice - has just been offered a job as "enterprise Tsar", the BBC understands.
Fraser from Stirling says: This is not a re-shuffle merely patch repairs to a sinking ship. There is nothing fresh here only changes that had to be made after losing ministers in key roles. We need a general election to clean up politics and get a fresh perspective Have Your SayFraser from Stirling says: This is not a re-shuffle merely patch repairs to a sinking ship. There is nothing fresh here only changes that had to be made after losing ministers in key roles. We need a general election to clean up politics and get a fresh perspective Have Your Say
Tom Irwin from Wimborne, Dorset says:This is beginning to look a bit like a hatchet job - if Cameron and Clegg aren't careful there will be a u-turn and more people will start supporting Brown. Remember, the fickle British public loves an underdog Have Your SayTom Irwin from Wimborne, Dorset says:This is beginning to look a bit like a hatchet job - if Cameron and Clegg aren't careful there will be a u-turn and more people will start supporting Brown. Remember, the fickle British public loves an underdog Have Your Say
1011 BBC Radio 5 Live's chief political correspondent John Pienaar: Gordon Brown was keen to move Alistair Darling from the Treasury. Ed Balls was far more of his way of thinking. The prime minister offered new jobs to Darling, who didn't want them. So Darling stays put.1011 BBC Radio 5 Live's chief political correspondent John Pienaar: Gordon Brown was keen to move Alistair Darling from the Treasury. Ed Balls was far more of his way of thinking. The prime minister offered new jobs to Darling, who didn't want them. So Darling stays put.
1006 Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott launches a stinging attack on his successor as Labour's number two, Harriet Harman, and other cabinet ministers who he says were "resigned to defeat" in the European Parliament and English county council elections. "The people responsible for this non-campaign - and make no mistake there was no campaign - were Harriet Harman, Caroline Flint, Douglas Alexander and yes, our former Communities Secretary Hazel Blears," Mr Prescott writes on the Labour Home website.1006 Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott launches a stinging attack on his successor as Labour's number two, Harriet Harman, and other cabinet ministers who he says were "resigned to defeat" in the European Parliament and English county council elections. "The people responsible for this non-campaign - and make no mistake there was no campaign - were Harriet Harman, Caroline Flint, Douglas Alexander and yes, our former Communities Secretary Hazel Blears," Mr Prescott writes on the Labour Home website.
Grncurmudgeon tweets:Governments die when they become more interested in themselves than their people. This one is dead Read thatbobsy's Tweets Grncurmudgeon tweets:Governments die when they become more interested in themselves than their people. This one is dead Read thatbobsy's Tweets
CliveM tweets: Time for this government to call the election. This farce cannot continue. Read thatbobsy's Tweets CliveM tweets: Time for this government to call the election. This farce cannot continue. Read thatbobsy's Tweets
Rob from London texts:We don't need or want the same people from Labour. We need a whole new parliament.Rob from London texts:We don't need or want the same people from Labour. We need a whole new parliament.
Mark from Leeds  texts:Labour need time to give them any chance. Changing leader would require an earlier election. The rebels are turkeys voting for Xmas. Mark from Leeds  texts:Labour need time to give them any chance. Changing leader would require an earlier election. The rebels are turkeys voting for Xmas.
Jonathan from Haslemere texts:I am reminded of the image of someone rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic in an effort to avoid disaster.Jonathan from Haslemere texts:I am reminded of the image of someone rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic in an effort to avoid disaster.
1001 Foreign Secretary David Miliband - a close friend of James Purnell - says he will not be following his erstwhile colleague out of the cabinet. "It's a big loss to the government," Mr Miliband says of Mr Purnell's departure. "However, I don't share his judgement. Today is a day for working, not resigning."1001 Foreign Secretary David Miliband - a close friend of James Purnell - says he will not be following his erstwhile colleague out of the cabinet. "It's a big loss to the government," Mr Miliband says of Mr Purnell's departure. "However, I don't share his judgement. Today is a day for working, not resigning."
0959 Lib Dem blogger Helen Duffett, of the Liberal Voice website, has a playful analogy for the recent spate of cabinet resignations. "It's like a game of Jenga," she chuckles. "Just pulling them out until the top topples."0959 Lib Dem blogger Helen Duffett, of the Liberal Voice website, has a playful analogy for the recent spate of cabinet resignations. "It's like a game of Jenga," she chuckles. "Just pulling them out until the top topples."
0955 The chairman of James Purnell's Stalybridge Hyde Constituency Labour Party, Peter Robinson, is backing his local MP's decision to resign from cabinet. "We need a leader that is very pro-active. We need a strong leader," Mr Robinson says. "I'm backing James 100%." BBC0955 The chairman of James Purnell's Stalybridge Hyde Constituency Labour Party, Peter Robinson, is backing his local MP's decision to resign from cabinet. "We need a leader that is very pro-active. We need a strong leader," Mr Robinson says. "I'm backing James 100%." BBC
0948 The best scenario for the Conservatives, Times political columnist Daniel Finkelstein tells the BBC, would be if the Labour rebels threatening to overthrow Gordon Brown "wound him but fail to kill him". But wonders if Labour backbenchers will be "spooked" a second time by bad election results and renew their plotting.0948 The best scenario for the Conservatives, Times political columnist Daniel Finkelstein tells the BBC, would be if the Labour rebels threatening to overthrow Gordon Brown "wound him but fail to kill him". But wonders if Labour backbenchers will be "spooked" a second time by bad election results and renew their plotting.
Austine Olukayode says:The media is clearly on an agenda against Gordon Brown, and the public sees that. The question is why? He his doing a fantastic job that neither the talkative Cameron nor Clegg can ever think of doing. The resigning ministers are going to be dropped in the cabinet reshuffle anyway. Labour needs to rally round the Prime Minister now! Have Your SayAustine Olukayode says:The media is clearly on an agenda against Gordon Brown, and the public sees that. The question is why? He his doing a fantastic job that neither the talkative Cameron nor Clegg can ever think of doing. The resigning ministers are going to be dropped in the cabinet reshuffle anyway. Labour needs to rally round the Prime Minister now! Have Your Say
Okezie Ezeronye says:As Labour supporter, am deeply saddened Mr Purnell have resigned. When your house is leaking, you put it in order, not pack out. This is coming at a time the Government is trying to steady our economy. People like Mr Purnell are driving Labours' supporters and voters away. Have Your SayOkezie Ezeronye says:As Labour supporter, am deeply saddened Mr Purnell have resigned. When your house is leaking, you put it in order, not pack out. This is coming at a time the Government is trying to steady our economy. People like Mr Purnell are driving Labours' supporters and voters away. Have Your Say
Thatbobsy tweets: Brown won't call an election while the constitution doesn't require him too. He'll stick it 'til next May if he can. Read thatbobsy's Tweets Thatbobsy tweets: Brown won't call an election while the constitution doesn't require him too. He'll stick it 'til next May if he can. Read thatbobsy's Tweets
0941 Lord Mandelson is expected to stay on as business secretary, the BBC's James Landale understands.0941 Lord Mandelson is expected to stay on as business secretary, the BBC's James Landale understands.
Aaron Dance from Wimbledon texts:Gordon Brown must promote new blood from back benchers who have waited for a chance to move up the ladder. Well done Gordon. Stick to your guns... Aaron Dance from Wimbledon texts:Gordon Brown must promote new blood from back benchers who have waited for a chance to move up the ladder. Well done Gordon. Stick to your guns...
Another reader texts:If Purnell were truly interested in Labour winning, why try to damage the party? Another reader texts:If Purnell were truly interested in Labour winning, why try to damage the party? 
Aaron Dance from Wimbledon:Gordon Brown must promote new blood from backbenchers who have waited for a chance to move up the ladder. Well done Gordon. Stick to your guns... Aaron Dance from Wimbledon:Gordon Brown must promote new blood from backbenchers who have waited for a chance to move up the ladder. Well done Gordon. Stick to your guns...
0935 Lord Mandelson warns Labour what happens to politicians who engage in in-fighting. "We've just come through, as a party, three significant election victories," he tells reporters. "We won these not by turning in on ourselves."0935 Lord Mandelson warns Labour what happens to politicians who engage in in-fighting. "We've just come through, as a party, three significant election victories," he tells reporters. "We won these not by turning in on ourselves."
0931 BBC political correspondent Iain Watson says: One of the organisers of the round robin e-mail calling for the prime minister to go has said the early reshuffle has made their tactics "far more difficult" - they may delay until after council election results are known and "may not send the letter around at all".0931 BBC political correspondent Iain Watson says: One of the organisers of the round robin e-mail calling for the prime minister to go has said the early reshuffle has made their tactics "far more difficult" - they may delay until after council election results are known and "may not send the letter around at all".
0927 Senior Labour backbencher Barry Sheerman - who has called for Labour MPs to vote on whether Gordon Brown should stay on as leader - says a ballot would bring the party "back to life". He tells the BBC: "I came into the Labour Party as a party of fraternity and good fellowship... I don't feel it now."0927 Senior Labour backbencher Barry Sheerman - who has called for Labour MPs to vote on whether Gordon Brown should stay on as leader - says a ballot would bring the party "back to life". He tells the BBC: "I came into the Labour Party as a party of fraternity and good fellowship... I don't feel it now."
Gavin Love says:I think it is very difficult for either the Conservatives or the Labour parties to organise themselves until they set out a plan to clean up the expenses mess with a set date for completion. No one trusts any MP at present until they can demonstrate that they are neither crooked nor greedy. A cabinet re-shuffle is only moving MPs we don't trust anyway so it is a mute point. Clean up first! Have Your SayGavin Love says:I think it is very difficult for either the Conservatives or the Labour parties to organise themselves until they set out a plan to clean up the expenses mess with a set date for completion. No one trusts any MP at present until they can demonstrate that they are neither crooked nor greedy. A cabinet re-shuffle is only moving MPs we don't trust anyway so it is a mute point. Clean up first! Have Your Say
0925 Treasury sources are confirming that Alistair Darling will stay as chancellor - as sources told Nick Robinson earlier.0925 Treasury sources are confirming that Alistair Darling will stay as chancellor - as sources told Nick Robinson earlier.
0923 Rhondda Labour MP Chris Bryant is staying loyal. Knocking doors in his constituency last week, he insists, "a lot of people were saying they just want Gordon Brown to get on with the job". We'll find out on Sunday how this mood translated into votes for the European parliament.0923 Rhondda Labour MP Chris Bryant is staying loyal. Knocking doors in his constituency last week, he insists, "a lot of people were saying they just want Gordon Brown to get on with the job". We'll find out on Sunday how this mood translated into votes for the European parliament.
0920 From BBC political correspondent James Landale: It's a natural fit. Clearly the prime minister decided Alan Johnson was the man to smooth over the cracks within a department where they crop up intermittently.0920 From BBC political correspondent James Landale: It's a natural fit. Clearly the prime minister decided Alan Johnson was the man to smooth over the cracks within a department where they crop up intermittently.
Chris Kennedy says:At last. After 12 months of hide and seek, a senior Cabinet Minister finally wakes up to reality and declares that Gordon Brown has had a disastrous effect on the Labour party and the country as well. The Labour MPs must ditch Brown and install an elected leader such as Jack Straw in his place. Have Your Say Chris Kennedy says:At last. After 12 months of hide and seek, a senior Cabinet Minister finally wakes up to reality and declares that Gordon Brown has had a disastrous effect on the Labour party and the country as well. The Labour MPs must ditch Brown and install an elected leader such as Jack Straw in his place. Have Your Say
Nick Gledhill says: Gordon Brown must not quit. The three resigning cabinet members, who have quit, have shown the true credibility of most politicians. All should have stood behind him, showing unity and strength. Have Your Say Nick Gledhill says: Gordon Brown must not quit. The three resigning cabinet members, who have quit, have shown the true credibility of most politicians. All should have stood behind him, showing unity and strength. Have Your Say
0916 Alan Johnson - widely tipped as a possible replacement for Gordon Brown - is the new home secretary, Downing Street confirms.0916 Alan Johnson - widely tipped as a possible replacement for Gordon Brown - is the new home secretary, Downing Street confirms.
0911 Well, one politician says he isn't excited by the flurry of events - Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg. "Whether Gordon Brown stays, whether Gordon Brown goes, whether someone replaces him, it's all irrelevant, because the Labour government has run out of road - it's finished," Mr Clegg says.0911 Well, one politician says he isn't excited by the flurry of events - Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg. "Whether Gordon Brown stays, whether Gordon Brown goes, whether someone replaces him, it's all irrelevant, because the Labour government has run out of road - it's finished," Mr Clegg says.
0910 From BBC political correspondent James Landale: This is a reshuffle taking place in extraordinary circumstances. Downing Street had hoped to keep his reshuffle until Monday, but James Purnell's resignation forced the government to act now.0902 Conservative Party chairman Eric Pickles looks as cheerful as can be about his party's performance in yesterday's English local government elections. "It looks very black for Labour," he says. "This government is discredited. It has run out of its mandate."0910 From BBC political correspondent James Landale: This is a reshuffle taking place in extraordinary circumstances. Downing Street had hoped to keep his reshuffle until Monday, but James Purnell's resignation forced the government to act now.0902 Conservative Party chairman Eric Pickles looks as cheerful as can be about his party's performance in yesterday's English local government elections. "It looks very black for Labour," he says. "This government is discredited. It has run out of its mandate."
0859 But Mr Brown has a big task ahead of him today. There are three jobs we know that need to be filled in the cabinet after James Purnell stood down as Work and Pensions Secretary, Hazel Blears stood down from communities and Jacqui Smith announced she was leaving the Home Office.0859 But Mr Brown has a big task ahead of him today. There are three jobs we know that need to be filled in the cabinet after James Purnell stood down as Work and Pensions Secretary, Hazel Blears stood down from communities and Jacqui Smith announced she was leaving the Home Office.
0857 You're hired! Gordon Brown may be on the ropes, with minister after minister resigning from his cabinet - but he still has the backing of The Apprentice's Sir Alan Sugar. "You couldn't have a better person in place, as far as I'm concerned," barks Sir Alan on the BBC News Channel. "From what I understand, he is resolute in his position."0857 You're hired! Gordon Brown may be on the ropes, with minister after minister resigning from his cabinet - but he still has the backing of The Apprentice's Sir Alan Sugar. "You couldn't have a better person in place, as far as I'm concerned," barks Sir Alan on the BBC News Channel. "From what I understand, he is resolute in his position."
0854 Outside his home, Conservative leader David Cameron tells reporters that the government has "completely forfeited the right to govern". He adds: "We really do deserve better than this, and I believe that all roads now, fairly, should lead to a general election."0854 Outside his home, Conservative leader David Cameron tells reporters that the government has "completely forfeited the right to govern". He adds: "We really do deserve better than this, and I believe that all roads now, fairly, should lead to a general election."
0853 Jack Straw will be keeping his job as justice secretary, the BBC's James Landale understands.0853 Jack Straw will be keeping his job as justice secretary, the BBC's James Landale understands.
0851 From BBC political editor Nick Robinson: I've been speaking to someone very close to Gordon Brown, who indicated that Alistair Darling will be keeping his job as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The likelihood is that Alan Johnson will be go to the home office, although I'm told that he would have preferred to have stayed at health.0851 From BBC political editor Nick Robinson: I've been speaking to someone very close to Gordon Brown, who indicated that Alistair Darling will be keeping his job as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The likelihood is that Alan Johnson will be go to the home office, although I'm told that he would have preferred to have stayed at health.
0847 And they're off. BBC political correspondent James Landale has been told that the reshuffle has begun. Cue a procession of ministers to Downing Street as the prime minister tries to regain the political initiative after a truly dreadful few weeks for him.0847 And they're off. BBC political correspondent James Landale has been told that the reshuffle has begun. Cue a procession of ministers to Downing Street as the prime minister tries to regain the political initiative after a truly dreadful few weeks for him.
0845 Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of what looks like being a crucial day for Gordon Brown's future as prime minister. Days don't get much bigger than this at Westminster. Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell has quit, urging the prime minister to follow him; Labour fears it took a drubbing at yesterday's election; and the prime minister is trying and reassert his authority with a cabinet reshuffle. We'll be bringing you all the developments as they happen and the reaction and analysis from the BBC's correspondents and guests on the our television and radio output.0845 Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of what looks like being a crucial day for Gordon Brown's future as prime minister. Days don't get much bigger than this at Westminster. Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell has quit, urging the prime minister to follow him; Labour fears it took a drubbing at yesterday's election; and the prime minister is trying and reassert his authority with a cabinet reshuffle. We'll be bringing you all the developments as they happen and the reaction and analysis from the BBC's correspondents and guests on the our television and radio output.