Cameron taunts Brown over Cabinet resignations

Tory leader David Cameron taunted Gordon Brown in the Commons today 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, saying: "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.

"At a time like this the House should come together to acknowledge contributions that have been made in the public interest," he said.