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Trade minister Jones backs Brown "100 per cent"

15/04/2008

Trade minister Lord Jones of Birmingham has claimed he backs prime minister Gordon Brown "100 per cent" but confirmed he would step down ahead of the next general election.

Lord Jones said he would leave his position because he could not back the Labour party saying that he had "never claimed to be a political animal".

Speaking at a trade conference in London today, the trade minister said: "I've never claimed to be a political animal and as you know I believe trade and investment should transcend the factionalism of party politics.

"But one thing I'm absolutely clear on - I am 100% committed to this job and to the prime minister.

"I am a supporter of Gordon Brown and I believe in what he is doing.

"I will continue to give him personally my full support and I am delighted to be doing this important job for my country.

"My plan now, as always, is to get on with the job," he added.

The Times newspaper had reported today that Lord Jones was unhappy at changes to capital gains tax and legislation for 'non-doms' - UK residents who are nondomiciled for tax purposes – and believed his role would be more suited to a businessmen, rather than a politician.

Speaking at a private meeting on January 29th in London's Great Smith Street, he was also said to be critical of the civil service - though not of his known civil servants - and of his functions in the House of Lords.

The minister's - the first British minister ever appointed without membership of a political party - apparent unwillingness to offer his support to the embattled prime minister adds to a growing list of problems for Mr Brown whose approval ratings have tumbled over fears regarding the economy and seemingly-critical comments from other ministers.

A spokeswoman for UK Trade and Investment told the Times Lord Jones' intention to resign at some point was "widely known".

She said: "As a dedicated supporter of British business, who has spent years raising business issues from the outside, Lord Jones has said on many occasions how delighted he was to join the government as trade and investment minister, working as part of a successful team focused on maintaining the stability and competitiveness of the British economy.

"It is no secret that he does not wish to pursue a political career in the long term and he has always said he would continue in his ministerial role for a finite period."

She added: "With a successful 30-year business career behind him and the benefit of a single focus on trade and investment, he will continue to use his ministerial position to deliver more intensive support for UK business internationally and to bang the drum for brand Britain around the world."