Rumours that Blears brought resignation forward after Downing Street briefing against her

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

A rumour is circulating that Hazel Blears had planned to resign on Friday, after the European elections, but that her hand was forced after Downing Street apparently briefed that it was Blears who deliberately leaked the story of Jacqui Smith’s resignation yesterday.

Meanwhile, frustration is growing amongst backbench Labour MPs that none of Labour’s Big Beasts are being bold enough to openly criticise Grodon Brown or promote a leadership challenge that would reinvigorate the Party.