Commenting on reports that Health Minister Lord Darzi is to announce his resignation tomorrow, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb said: “Losing yet another minister will be a massive blow to Gordon Brown.

“As a respected doctor, Darzi led the initiative on the NHS for Labour and questions must be asked on whether there is more to his resignation than meets the eye.

“A short spell as a minister seems to be the new route into the House of Lords for new Labour supporters.”