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Wednesday, October 28, 1998 Published at 16:39 GMT UK Politics Three arrested in MP robbery case ![]() Downing Street insists the resignation is not linked to sex or drugs
The former Welsh secretary's car was recovered by police on Wednesday morning in Brixton, south London. Mr Davies resigned his cabinet post on Tuesday after admitting to an error of judgement. He is still deciding whether to quit as Labour leader in Wales.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "There is no evidence of any gay link or any drugs link.
Mr Davies is facing growing calls for him to abandon the post of Labour leader in Wales after his shock resignation from the cabinet. But sources close to him say he still wants to carry on as prospective leader of the Welsh Assembly. 'Intelligent questions' asked
"The prime minister thinks Ron is entitled to a day or two to take stock," he said.
The spokesman said all the "intelligent questions" were put to the former Welsh secretary, but Mr Blair took the view that the error of judgement in going off in a car with strangers was itself enough to justify resignation. Hague: Questions need answers Opponents say if Mr Davies's "error of judgement" was serious enough to force him out of the cabinet job, it should also preclude his holding the top job in Cardiff.
"I think it would have been wiser for Downing Street to have made clear the answer to that from the very beginning, rather than have it dragged out of them over time, which is presumably what will happen." Robbed by dreadlocked man Mr Davies is the first member of Tony Blair's Cabinet to resign, following an incident near Clapham Common, where he befriended a stranger and was later robbed at knifepoint.
He said: "Shortly afterwards, the man produced a knife and together with his male companion, robbed me and stole my car, leaving me standing at the roadside." 'Scandal' mystery Speculation in newspapers focuses mainly on the fact Clapham Common is a known gay pick-up area, but it is also used by drug dealers. If Mr Davies pulls out of the Assembly post, the government could face a fresh ballot. He was favourite to become first secretary after winning the party vote in September to head the Labour group.
He said: "I think it's a personal tragedy for Ron Davies and his wife." Mr Cunningham insisted whether he stayed on as Labour's Welsh leader was a decision for Mr Davies himself, the local party and the Welsh people. |
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