And another Labour MP, James Purnell stands down

It is now as if someone is holding the flood gates open as Labour MPs are streaming out to resign before the general election takes place, it is as if they fear an early election.

Yesterday it was Bruce George and today it is the turn of James Purnell.

James Purnell was the MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, in Greater Manchester, said on the BBC website that it was a "difficult decision", but he did not want to spend "all my life in frontline politics".

Given he has only been an MP since 2001, it is hardly all his life, although I do appreciate his career has very much centred around the Westminster bubble, however, we have to respect the wishes of all these Labour MPs jumping ship.  James Purnell was a researcher for Tony Blair from 1992 to 1994 and worked as head of corporate planning at the BBC from 1995 to 1997.


James Purnell quit as work and pensions secretary after last year's local and European elections, calling for Gordon Brown to resign as prime minister.