New blow for Brown as another minister quits

Gordon Brown's inner circle of trusted ministers dwindled further today after that Lord Malloch-Brown said he is quitting the Foreign Office "for personal and family reasons".

The former UN deputy secretary-general insisted it had nothing to do with the "political situation" and he still "greatly admired" Mr Brown.

The Foreign Office minister told Mr Brown before the last reshuffle he wanted to step down in the summer, but critics believe the decision was delayed to avoid adding to the damage caused by the resignations of James Purnell and Hazel Blears.

The Prime Minister praised the peer's "outstanding work", particularly on preparations for the London G20 summit this year.

But the Tories said his departure increased the perception that Mr Brown's administration is running out of steam.

The Africa minister attracted some controversy, not least over his occupation of a grace-and-favour home in Whitehall. This is now expected to be left vacant.