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James Purnell's resignation
Posted by Adam White (@theday2day)
Friday, 19th February 2010
It would be an understatement to say I was shocked this morning when awoken by a phone call telling me my MP James Purnell was to stand down at the coming election. Everyone in our CLP has been working hard on the campaign for the last few months and this was extremely unexpected.
The fact of the matter is, James has been unhappy with his work for some time. He wants to settle down to start a family and doesn’t feel that his continued career in politics would be good for his prospects as a parent, or for his relationship with his long term girlfriend.
Accusations are being made that James has done this through spite, because he disagrees with Gordon Brown, I can say with confidence that this is complete nonsense! He is totally committed to a Labour victory at the general election and despite disagreements with Gordon over the direction of the Party, spite isn’t something he does! When he resigned from the Cabinet he promised not to make trouble for the Government, a promise he gracefully kept.
After speaking to him earlier today I know very well this is not a decision he has taken lightly, and has been done in consultation with the local Party for which he has our full support!
Mine and James’ political beliefs have differed on various issues, but despite these differences he has my utmost respect. I have often enjoyed thorough debate with him around the issues on which our opinions differ, and his capacity for intelligent discussion and open approach to ideas different to his own, has always impressed me.
Although I disagreed with some of the positions he supported within Government, I have no qualms whatsoever with his performance as my MP, he has been a strong advocate for our local area, lobbying for massive improvements to our local schools and hospital, in which the difference is visible!
Obviously people are wondering (they’ve been asking all day) what will now happen with what can be safely described as an extremely safe Labour seat, especially with a General Election so close. Our CLP’s Executive Committee met earlier today to discuss just that.
It has been decided that an emergency General Committee meeting is to be called for March 1st, so we can begin the process of deciding who will replace him. I would not like to speculate on who might replace him at such an early stage, but can confirm that, subject to approval, the Party’s preference will be for an open shortlist.
I would like to convey that James has the full support and understanding of our local Party and that nobody will think less of him, for what has been an extremely difficult and deeply personal decision for him. He has our thanks for his hard work and commitment, both to the local area in general and to our CLP. I have complete faith that our membership will select someone just as capable and dedicated, to continue his good work in the interest of the people of Stalybridge and Hyde.
