The BBC reports. This is big. More soon.
UPDATE: Nick Robinson says that Purnell wants to force a leadership batle, and calls on Brown to stand down. Tomorrow’s Sun and Times carry his resignation letter. Apparently, Purnell “isn’t seeking the leadership”. The quotes that Robinson read out make this sound like a bit of a Howe moment
UPDATE 2: Just to catch up with some other stories: Flint is staying, and it sounds as though Darling is digging his heels in over the Chancellorship.
UPDATE 3: Over at Comment Central, Danny Finkelstein and Philip Collins chat about the Purnell resignation. They’ve clearly read the letter early, and this point by Finkelstein is worth pulling out:
“…that is where Purnell’s letter is very smart. He makes it plain he has no leadership ambitions and that he is not acting with others.
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