Harriet Harman pays tribute to 'excellent colleague' Hain

Jan 24 2008 icWales

Commons leader Harriet Harman today hailed Peter Hain as “an excellent colleague and good friend” as MPs demanded an urgent statement on his decision to quit as Work and Pensions Secretary and Secretary of State for Wales.

Her tribute came as news of his resignation filtered through to MPs as they discussed future Commons business.

Senior Tory Andrew Mackay (Bracknell) demanded: “In light of breaking news, can we have an urgent statement today on the implications of the resignation?”

Ms Harman replied: “I do not have confirmation that this resignation has actually been received.

“But I would say I regard the work he has been doing on improving the income in retirement of pensioners and ensuring more people come off benefits and get into work has been important for people in this county.

“And I personally regard him as an excellent colleague and good friend.”

Mr Hain announced he was quitting his Cabinet posts to clear his name in the controversy over donations to his deputy leadership campaign.

The news came minutes after the Electoral Commission announced it was referring the affair to the Metropolitan Police.

Ms Harman has previously come under fire over donations to her deputy leadership campaign.