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Last updated at 16:04pm on 20th October 2006

Former Cabinet minister Clare Short has resigned as a Labour MP to become an independent for the rest of this Parliament, it was confirmed today.

Chief Whip Jacqui Smith said it was a "shame" and criticised Ms Short for announcing her decision to the media before telling party chiefs.

DailyMail

Had this story not been posted, I would have done so myself.

I am very fond of Clare. I believe she can be relied upon.

I once sent e-mails to a couple of MPs. Although my query neither related to anything in Clare's constituency, or her area of special interest, I sent the e-mail to her, too - I had a feeling she was a genuinely decent person.

The MP for the constituency in question did not reply. Fair enough, after all, I don't even live in Britain; no vote from me.

Tony doesn't 'do' e-mails, really. That'd be Tony Blair, you know. He prefers you to write letters, for reasons of confidentiality, etc. I never got around to writing him a letter - maybe I can manage a Christmas card.

If I remember rightly, the relevant Government Minister sent a 'standard letter' type of reply. It was appreciated.

But the reply I received from Clare Short's office was different. Someone went to the bother of gathering a bit of info, and did their best to be helpful. And it actually meant a great deal.

Adrian Mole has a few things to say about Clare. Sometimes I think Adrian and myself are soulmates.

Anyway, of course I wish Clare all the best. A decent woman, yes.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6071246.stm

Having known Clare for MANY years from my time in Fleet Street I must admit she always went out of her way to be helpfull and managed to lighten up the 'Party Conference' circus with her caustic humour

personal opinion is that she should immediately give up her seat. Many of her constituents voted for the party and not the person, and as a result have been short changed (not pun intended). A by-election should be held in her constituency where she can stand as an independent if she wants.

Agreed, she should pack it in NOW but I expect she will stick around for a while just to upset the Labourites.

The rules, at present, allow her to do this and I just wonder if a few more members will follow her example if the PM does not go SOON