Letters From A Tory Daily views on British politics and the Conservative Party from a centre-right thinker who writes letters on his blog to politicians, journalists and many others.

Ruth Kelly said: “It’s been a tremendous privilege to have worked with both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, two towering figures in the Labour Party, government and on the world stage. But, as well as a frontline politician, I’m also proud to be a mother and a wife. To have been able to hold these jobs, I’ve relied on the support of my husband and my family.  So I ask for your understanding when I say that I now owe it to my children and family to take a step back and start putting them first.”

Ruth Kelly meant: “Unfortunately Gordon Brown managed to buy himself some more time with his speech yesterday, so much as I was hoping for a leadership contest there clearly isn’t going to be one now that Miliband blew his chance with a thoroughly underwhelming speech.  Instead of overtly resigning, I’m going to step down instead to lessen the impact on the Labour Party but double the impact on Brown by denying him the publicity he was so desperately seeking.”

Gordon Brown said: “There are no political issues between Ruth and me. …Ruth has been an MP all the time that her children have been growing up. This is the decision that every parent faces. It is nothing to do with politics.”

Gordon Brown meant: “You *****.”