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Foreign Office minister resigns Foreign Office minister resigns
(10 minutes later)
Lord Malloch Brown, the minister for Africa, Asia and the United Nations, has resigned from the Government. Lord Malloch Brown, the minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, is resigning from the government at the end of July.
In a statement, the minister said he had always maintained he would "never do the job forever". The minister said in a statement that he had always maintained he would "never do the job forever".
He stated that "personal and family reasons" were behind his decision and stressed that his move was not motivated by the political situation.He stated that "personal and family reasons" were behind his decision and stressed that his move was not motivated by the political situation.
Lord Malloch Brown said he "greatly admired" the prime minister and continued to support the government.Lord Malloch Brown said he "greatly admired" the prime minister and continued to support the government.
"I came into government as a professional not a politician," he said."I came into government as a professional not a politician," he said.
"My decision to step down at the end of July is not in any way a commentary on the political situation."My decision to step down at the end of July is not in any way a commentary on the political situation.
"I joined the Government at his invitation to help promote his international priorities. It has been a great privilege to do that, and to work with him and with David Miliband." "I joined the government at his invitation to help promote his international priorities. It has been a great privilege to do that, and to work with him and with David Miliband."
The peer worked under Kofi Annan as deputy secretary-general of the UN from April to December 2006 and was previously his right-hand man.The peer worked under Kofi Annan as deputy secretary-general of the UN from April to December 2006 and was previously his right-hand man.
He was also in charge of the UN Development Programme from July 1999 to August 2005.He was also in charge of the UN Development Programme from July 1999 to August 2005.
Downing Street issued a statement, praising the minister's "outstanding work".
"The government has greatly benefited from his exceptional knowledge of Africa, the respect in which he is held by an extensive network of close contacts and his passion for his work," the statement said.
"His support in preparing the G20 London summit ensured that the plans set out enjoyed the widest possible international support."
Gordon Brown's government has been hit by several, recent high-profile departures including Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell.Gordon Brown's government has been hit by several, recent high-profile departures including Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell.