BRITAIN: British pensions minister Mr Andrew Smith resigned from the government yesterday, setting Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair on course for a government reshuffle.
Mr Blair, whose popularity has plummeted over Britain going to war in Iraq, is keen to have his team firmly embedded in the lead-up to a general election expected next year.
No cabinet moves are expected for the government big hitters - Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, Foreign Secretary Mr Jack Straw and Home Secretary Mr David Blunkett.
The prime minister had tried to persuade Mr Smith not to resign. "I have chosen to leave the government and devote more time to the responsibilities I enjoy in my constituency and to my family," he said in a letter to Mr Blair.
Mr Smith had been widely rumoured in the media to be on the way out after giving what was seen as a lacklustre performance.
Mr Blair's office said there were no further announcements expected yesterday evening.
Mr Smith's departure was expected to prompt wider changes to the government, as political watchers had already predicted a reshuffle later this week in the run-up to the general election.
Former health secretary Mr Alan Milburn is expected to return as Labour Party chairman to rally the troops in the election run-up.