Prime Minister’s Press Conference Open Thread; FLINT RESIGNS GOVERNMENT

From @LabourList

“We’ve got to finish the work we’ve started.”

“Round the world, political systems are under huge pressure.”

“I want to thank loyal Labour candidates and people who work for the party, who are disappointed.”

“We get on with the job and listen to what people say.”

“If you’re accurate about a 10% Conservative cut, schools close, hospital close.”

“The Conservatives do plan to cut public spending.”

“Public spending is rising every year and is due to rise evey year. Public services are getting 5.5% more.”

“People aren’t interested in personalities, they are interested in what are the policies? What are we going to do?”

“When people face a choice, it will be about who is best able to run and manage an economy in the global world.”

“Nobody lays down conditions when they come into government. They abide by the collective responsibility of the cabinet.”

“Of course we can win the next general election. When there’s a choice and not simply a referendum on expenses, people will make a decision. Do you want a party who would cut public services? Do you walk away? No other country has done that. We are building for the future by investing in the future. This govt has recognised probloems and is taking action.”

“All my life I’ve won. But I’m not complacent or arrogant. I’ve done nothing except by hard work and determination. Of all that’s happened to me, I’ve stood up and said I’ll not walk away. That’s my message, in fact it’s my mission.”

“Far more businessmen and women should be able to join the government.”

“My appointments are good ones and others in the future will be good ones.”

“Harriet wants to continue on constitutional work.”

“Peter Mandelsopn has got to have an enhanced role.”

“Appointing people from the House of Lords is good for our political system.”

“I do not fear the judgement of the people. I’m sensitve to their worries on the economy. I’m annoyed and appalled by expenses. But people are say8ing get us through the recession. Repair our public services and economy.”

“The reshuffle has been done in an ordered and calm way.”

“I asked her if she would attend cabinet. Unfortunately she didn’t see it that way. We have a new minister for Europe. Glenis Kinnock.”

“Caroline Flint has been a very good minister.”

“I was elected leader of Labour with almost unanimity.”

** CAROLINE FLINT QUITS GOVERNMENT **

“Any decent minded citizen has the right to expect their politicians wil do everything to meet highest standards.”

“Every MP will have their expenses examined.”

“I’ve always been brought up to act with integrity at all times. I remember the words of my father: always be honest, always sort things out if they’re wrong, always take action.”

“I never thought it would be better to stand down, but I’m never complacent. I believe the polciies we’re following are right for the country. Some are already showing results. I look for all party cooperation [on expenses and reform].”

“I’m candid because I admit mistakes and accept responsibility.”

“Over expenses Parliament should have acted earlier, but I am capable of doing it.”

“John Hutton told me some time ago he didn’t want to stand at the next election and we decided the next reshufle would be the right time for him to stand down.”

“The idea that Alistair Darling and I were to split over the economic issues is ridiculous.”

“This is a government that rejected the idea that we could do nothing. The result is that people will see the difference.”

“It takes time for policy to make a difference.”

“Darling has served the country domestically and is internationally acclaimed.”

“You make changes for a purpose: we’ve got a new constitutional renewal council. We’ve got a new Economic council. We’ve got a new domestiv policy council to look at changes we can make in public services.”

“Andy Burnham has proved himself to be an excellent minister.”

“7 women will be attending cabinet.”

“Yes, there are real problems, yes, mistakes have been made, yes, we are not complacent.”

“In time people will see that we have taken decisive action.”

“Importance of talking about what we are doing.”

“Nobody expected the recession to be so great. But we are ready to deal with the crisis.”

“We’ve got to clean up politics. We’ve got to take this country throught he recession. The future is one people have confidence in. I’m not complacent. I’ve never been arrogant.”

“I’m not going to walk away from our duty to the country.”

“Our party cannot lead or succeed by heeding the empty or expedient actions of the hour. We fight on for what we believe. I will not waver. I will get on with the job.”

“I know where I want to take this country. I still believe that service to the country is more important than service to self or party.”

“I have faith in honest politics: this is who I am.”

“If I didn’t think I was the right person, then I would not be standing here. I’ve chosen a cabinet who is committed to serving the public, talented people who will not shirk responsibilities or walk away when the going gets tough.”

“Refrom in public services: where eveyone, and not just the privileged, will have the chance to succeed.”

“We will look at how we elect our MPs. We want to put power in the hands of our citizens.”

“We will introduce before the summer plans to scrutinise MPs”.

“In the coming weeks we will outline our plans for jobs, especially green jobs.”

“First we need to continue our policy of active intervention.”

“Three ministerial councils will now report weekly to cabinet.”

“Reformed public services that are tailored. We must push ahead. To do this I’ve reshaped the cabinet.”

“We have a record we’re proud of: in schools, in hosiptals and in fighting crime.”

“Test of everyone’s resilience, requires deep reserves of strength. We have taken control of our banks and prevented higher unemployment.”

“I’m here to accept my responsibility. The elections were a painful defeat for Labour. Constituencies have lost through no fault of their own.”

A Press Conference is due to take place at Number 10, in which the PM will talk about his cabinet reshuffle and the council election results.

More to follow…