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Lord Sainsbury quits as minister Lord Sainsbury quits as minister
(10 minutes later)
Science minister Lord Sainsbury - one of Labour's biggest donors and a close ally of Tony Blair - has resigned, citing personal reasons.Science minister Lord Sainsbury - one of Labour's biggest donors and a close ally of Tony Blair - has resigned, citing personal reasons.
The supermarket billionaire was one of 48 people questioned by police over the "cash-for-honours" affair.The supermarket billionaire was one of 48 people questioned by police over the "cash-for-honours" affair.
He was also cleared of breaching the ministerial code in April after failing to disclose a £2m loan to Labour.He was also cleared of breaching the ministerial code in April after failing to disclose a £2m loan to Labour.
Lord Sainsbury said this had "no connection" with his resignation and he wanted to focus on business interests.Lord Sainsbury said this had "no connection" with his resignation and he wanted to focus on business interests.
Future plansFuture plans
Prime Minister Tony Blair said the science minister had been a "huge asset" to the country.Prime Minister Tony Blair said the science minister had been a "huge asset" to the country.
Lord Sainsbury revealed he would be carrying out a review of government science policy for Chancellor Gordon Brown.Lord Sainsbury revealed he would be carrying out a review of government science policy for Chancellor Gordon Brown.
I've always been rather a keen supporter of more public funding of parties Lord Sainsbury I've always been rather a keen supporter of more public funding of parties Lord Sainsbury href="/1/hi/uk_politics/6136024.stm" class="">Profile: Lord Sainsbury
The former chairman of the Sainsbury supermarket empire was ennobled in 1997 and became science minister the next year.The former chairman of the Sainsbury supermarket empire was ennobled in 1997 and became science minister the next year.
He is believed to have donated £6.5m to Labour since 2002.He is believed to have donated £6.5m to Labour since 2002.
Lord Sainsbury told the BBC he would not be returning to work for the supermarket that bears his name. Lord Sainsbury told the BBC he would not be returning to work for the supermarket.
'Time is right''Time is right'
He said: "Well, I've done eight years in the job.He said: "Well, I've done eight years in the job.
"I've achieved most of what I can achieve, and I think now is the time really to get back to all my other business and charitable activities, which of course I've not been able to do during the last eight years.""I've achieved most of what I can achieve, and I think now is the time really to get back to all my other business and charitable activities, which of course I've not been able to do during the last eight years."
BBC science correspondent Palab Ghosh said: "Lord Sainsbury is regarded as a successful science minister. He's well liked by the scientific community."BBC science correspondent Palab Ghosh said: "Lord Sainsbury is regarded as a successful science minister. He's well liked by the scientific community."
Lord Sainsbury apologised earlier this year about the £2m undisclosed loan, saying he had confused it with a declared donation he had made.Lord Sainsbury apologised earlier this year about the £2m undisclosed loan, saying he had confused it with a declared donation he had made.
On being quizzed over the "cash-for-honours" affair, he told the BBC: "I was interviewed by the police as a witness as I had also given a loan. But of course I am not a fund raiser for the party.On being quizzed over the "cash-for-honours" affair, he told the BBC: "I was interviewed by the police as a witness as I had also given a loan. But of course I am not a fund raiser for the party.
"I have had a peerage for eight or nine years, so there is no question of buying a peerage.""I have had a peerage for eight or nine years, so there is no question of buying a peerage."
Blair tributeBlair tribute
Lord Sainsbury said he had "always been rather a keen supporter of more public funding of parties".Lord Sainsbury said he had "always been rather a keen supporter of more public funding of parties".
"I think it just removes the whole of government from the issue of raising funds," he added."I think it just removes the whole of government from the issue of raising funds," he added.
Mr Blair said the minister had "worked tirelessly to push the case for science within government".Mr Blair said the minister had "worked tirelessly to push the case for science within government".
"It is in no small part down to him that this country's science base is in better shape than for decades, something of vital importance for this country's future."It is in no small part down to him that this country's science base is in better shape than for decades, something of vital importance for this country's future.
"His contribution to government will have a huge impact in future decades and we owe him a real debt of gratitude.""His contribution to government will have a huge impact in future decades and we owe him a real debt of gratitude."