MPs Expenses

Prime Minister Gordon Brown is set to shake up his Cabinet after Thursday's European and English local elections.

Mr. Brown has confirmed to the BBC that he is planning a reshuffle but refused to be drawn on individual ministers' role.

Cabinet Office Minister Tom Watson, a close ally of Mr. Brown, is expected to stand down from the government but continue in an advisory role.

Earlier in the day, three Labour MPs, Children Minister Beverley Hughes, former minister Patricia Hewitt and backbencher David Chaytor announced their decision to stand down at the next general election.

According to sources, Ms. Smith has told Mr. Brown that she was quitting her Cabinet job because it was the "right thing for her family" who had been at the "forefront of the row about her expenses".