Last updated at 15:52, Friday, 25 July 2008

MINISTERS have rallied round John Hutton after suggestions that union bosses will call for him to be sacked from the cabinet.

JOHN HUTTON

Newspaper reports have revealed that some union leaders believe there has been a complete “breakdown in relations”.

At a meeting tomorrow, union leaders are expected to ask Prime Minister Gordon Brown to remove the Barrow and Furness MP from his post in an autumn ministerial reshuffle.

Mr Hutton said he was not aware of a problem, but added that it was up to the premier to decide whether he keeps his job – and not the unions.

He spoke out as cabinet and party chiefs were set to gather at Warwick University for a National Policy Forum in which the unions are expected to put 100 demands to the government for new workers’ rights – which include sacking or moving Mr Hutton.

Asked about the stories in Wednesday’s national newspapers, Mr Hutton said: “Well I don’t know. I’m not really the person to ask whether this is true or not.

“I mean I try to have good relations with all of the people we work with in the department, including the trade unions and, of course, the employers too.

“Anything to do with my position is a matter for the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister alone – and I respect his judgments in all of these matters.”

His department denied that some union chiefs “can’t sit in the same room as Hutton”.

The cabinet minister is seen as a key ally to British business.

A Number 10 Downing Street source said: “I would simply say that John Hutton is a very good Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise.

“The unions are wrong to single out Mr Hutton who is an articulate defender of policies introduced long before he entered office.

“We are unaware that the unions have put a demandon the table for his removal and it is inconceivable that the Prime Minister would bow to such a brazen request.”

Copeland Labour MP Jamie Reed added: “John is an extremely competent member of the cabinet who has a thorough understanding of a very complicated brief.

“As part of this brief he is extremely committed to developing the UK’s energy policy, and as he launched the “Energy Coast” masterplan, is a lead player in helping to secure a sustainable future for West Cumbria.”

Another of Mr Hutton’s senior ministerial colleagues told the Evening Mail: “John is one of the most competent ministers in the government.

“He has handled several difficult briefs – health, work and pensions and business, with great flair and diligence. I cannot see how Gordon would ever consider sacking him – especially as he has the confidence of both business and trade unions – whatever some people might say off the record.”

First published at 12:02, Friday, 25 July 2008
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk