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Blears survives confidence motion Blears survives confidence motion
(30 minutes later)
Former Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has survived an attempt to force her deselection at a meeting of her constituency party in Salford.Former Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has survived an attempt to force her deselection at a meeting of her constituency party in Salford.
Some party members criticised her for quitting the government on the eve of local elections this month and undermining the chances of candidates.Some party members criticised her for quitting the government on the eve of local elections this month and undermining the chances of candidates.
Her expenses claims have also come under intense scrutiny.Her expenses claims have also come under intense scrutiny.
Ms Blears told the BBC she was "very, very grateful" that Labour party members had "rallied behind" her.Ms Blears told the BBC she was "very, very grateful" that Labour party members had "rallied behind" her.
A group of about 30 protesters gathered outside Salford Civic Centre with placards calling for her to go.A group of about 30 protesters gathered outside Salford Civic Centre with placards calling for her to go.
Some of the protesters chanted "Hazel out, Hazel out". Around four police officers watched the demonstration.Some of the protesters chanted "Hazel out, Hazel out". Around four police officers watched the demonstration.
Organiser Stephen Kingston, 50, said: "I was collecting signatures in Salford precinct earlier today. In the space of an hour-and-a-half we had 250 signatures backing the call that she must go. Speaking before the vote, organiser Stephen Kingston, 50, said the campaign to remove Ms Blears would continue even if she survived.
"The feelings of people are absolutely phenomenal. If she is not deselected tonight I think this campaign will go on." "I was collecting signatures in Salford precinct earlier today. In the space of an hour-and-a-half we had 250 signatures backing the call that she must go," he said.
Steve Kingston said Hazel Blears had little local support "The feelings of people are absolutely phenomenal."
A few weeks do not wipe out 30 years in local and national politics Hazel Blears
Money repaidMoney repaid
Ms Blears has said she regrets the timing of her resignation and earlier criticism of Gordon Brown's performance. Ms Blears told the BBC the meeting had been "one of the most sensible discussions" she had had about the expenses row.
Despite the calls for her to step down as an MP at the next election, Ms Blears was expected to survive the vote. "I am at a loss sometimes to know how I got to this place, but what I've had tonight is the first chance to explain properly to my party members," she said.
"They've not only accepted my explanation, they've rallied behind me.
"I also heard tonight from party members that events of a few weeks do not wipe out 30 years of a record in local and national politics, fighting and being a champion for some of the poorest people in our country."
Ms Blears said she "bitterly regretted" the timing of her resignation and earlier criticism of Gordon Brown's performance.
She said she had been "incandescently angry" about the situation and had felt she was being "hounded out" of her job.
But she added: "Now I've got a chance to rebuild and reinvigorate my politics a little bit about reconnecting with the people."
Steve Kingston said Hazel Blears had little local support
Despite the calls for her to step down as an MP at the next election, Ms Blears had been expected to survive the vote.
Around 100 people had been expected to attend the meeting, but only 44 of them - delegates from the wards and unions - were able to vote.Around 100 people had been expected to attend the meeting, but only 44 of them - delegates from the wards and unions - were able to vote.
Thirty-three opposed the no confidence motion and 13 voted in favour of it. Thirty-three opposed the no confidence motion and 12 voted in favour of it. One voter abstained.
She repaid £13,000 after it emerged she had not paid capital gains tax on the sale of a property.She repaid £13,000 after it emerged she had not paid capital gains tax on the sale of a property.
Although her actions were within the rules, they were described as "totally unacceptable" by the prime minister.Although her actions were within the rules, they were described as "totally unacceptable" by the prime minister.