Gordon Brown’s government was in disarray on Tuesday night as Jacqui Smith, home secretary, led a wave of resignations ahead of what is expected to be a dismal performance by Labour in this week’s local and European elections. The prime minister was urged by colleagues to bring forward a cabinet reshuffle to Friday in an attempt to restore his authority, amid signs that party morale – sapped by the expenses scandal – was reaching a new low. Ms Smith let it be known she would leave the government at the reshuffle, while Beverley Hughes, children’s minister, and Patricia Hewitt, former...