Why did James Purnell resign from Gordon Brown’s cabinet in 2009?

James Purnell, who served as the secretary of state for work and pensions, resigned from Gordon Brown’s cabinet in June 2009 following a disastrous performance by the Labour Party in the European Parliament elections.12

In his resignation letter, Purnell stated his belief that Brown’s continued leadership made a victory for the Conservative Party more likely rather than less. He explicitly called on the prime minister to stand aside to provide the party with a "fighting chance of winning" the next general election. While Purnell’s departure visibly weakened Brown’s authority, no other ministers followed his lead, and Brown remained in his position.12