James Purnell has become the fourth minister to leave the cabinet this week, and he has called for Gordon Brown to stand aside to give Labour a chance of winning the next election.

James Purnell, the work and pensions secretary, dealt a blow to Gordon Brown’s chances of remaining Prime Minister, when he announced that he is leaving the cabinet and asking Brown “to stand aside to give a chance of winning the next election”.

Mr Purnell’s statement, will further weaken the prime minister’s authority and increases the challenge to his leadership. Mr Purnell announced his resignation after the polls in the local and European elections had closed.

A spokesperson for Mr Purnell said:

“He feels Gordon should now stand aside to give the party a fighting chance of winning the next election. He is not seeking the leadership nor acting with anyone else. This is not about jobs or careers.”

The source added: [Purnell] has made the decision in the last few weeks – he’s always been very loyal and defended the prime minister, but he now feels he can no longer go out and defend the prime minister. That is why he has taken the difficult decision to resign”.

Mr Purnell, who is regarded as a future leadership candidate , said that he would not be aiming for the leadership if it did become vacant.

Mr Purnell’s decision to resign means there is a serious chance that other members of the cabinet will also resign.

Mr Purnell’s resignation is likely to strengthen the backbench revolt which is gaining strength and was reported to have about 75 members.
The organisers of the rebellion have said their campaign would not work unless members of the cabinet also resigned.