Purnell warns Brown to stand down to stop Labour's inevitable election defeat

London, June 5 (ANI): A leading member and Minister in the Gordon Brown's Government, James Purnell, has warned the Prime Minister that he should stand down to stop Labour Party's inevitable election defeat, after tendering his resignation.

Prunell's resignation is a serious blow to Brown and comes after two other Cabinet ministers walked out earlier this week.

The Telegraph quoted Purnell as saying that his move was not "a plot" and that he had not told other Cabinet ministers that he intended to stand down.

However, his exit could open the floodgates and lead other MPs and ministers to demand Brown's removal.

Purnell said he would not be a candidate in any leadership election. His resignation, announced as polls closed for local and European election results that are expected to be disastrous for Labour, came after senior backbench MPs began organising to oust the Prime Minister.

The departure of Purnell, an avowed follower of Tony Blair and possible future leader, follows the resignation of Hazel Blears, the Communities Secretary.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister is disappointed by the resignation of James Purnell." (ANI)