Minister resigns in attempt to force Blair exit

Tony Blair's administration has been dealt what may turn out to be a fatal blow by the resignation of seven members of his Government.

Tom Watson, the under-secretary of state for defence, wrote to Mr Blair this morning telling him that it was no longer in the interests of Labour or of the country for him to remain Prime Minister.

This afternoon six parliamentary private secretaries - MPs on the lowest rung of the Government ladder - also handed in their resignations.

Khalid Mahmood, Wayne David, Ian Lucas, Mark Tami and David Wright said they had to leave because Mr Blair had not "ended the uncertainty" over when he intends to step down.

Chris Mole also quit his post as parliamentary private secretary to Phil Woolas, communities minister.

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