Cameron taunts PM over resignations
Tory leader David Cameron has taunted Gordon Brown in the Commons, saying his command over his Cabinet had "simply disappeared".
Mr Cameron accused the premier of being "in denial" in the wake of the resignation of Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and other ministerial departures.
The Conservative leader seized on Mr Brown's problems at Prime Minister's Question time.
He said: "This morning the Communities Secretary resigned from the Cabinet. This follows yesterday's announcement that the schools minister is standing down, the minister for the Cabinet Office is leaving and the Home Secretary is resigning.
"Why doesn't the Prime Minister accept that his ability to command his Cabinet has simply disappeared?"
Mr Brown shrugged off the jibe and instead praised the records in office of Ms Blears and Ms Smith as Home Secretary. He said: "At a time like this the House should come together to acknowledge contributions that have been made in the public interest."
Mr Cameron accused the Prime Minister of being "in denial" and said Ms Blears' resignation was "a direct challenge to his authority".
"If these people have done such good work, why are they walking away from their jobs?" the Tory leader asked.
"The Communities Secretary's statement doesn't pay tribute to him or a single one of his policies. The minister in charge of local government is resigning the day before local elections. Isn't the fact that she has chosen today of all days to go a direct challenge to his authority?"
Mr Brown said that recent weeks had put "enormous pressure" on MPs of all parties and their families because of the string of revelations about their expenses. He accused Mr Cameron of trying to make party political advantage from the situation.
