Stephen Byers remains in office despite continuing calls for him to go

The Transport Department has admitted it announced the resignation of Martin Sixsmith when he had not agreed to quit. The news is the latest twist in what became known as the Spin-gate affair around the department's communications director.

The BBC's Andrew Marr reports

February 2002

Confusion surrounds Martin Sixsmith's departure

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers addresses MPs in the Commons as Downing Street tells him to get the continuing spin row "sorted out". His statement follows the announcement that both Jo Moore and Martin Sixsmith had resigned from their posts in the department.

The BBC's John Pienaar reports

Click here to listen to Stephen Byers' address to the Commons

January 2002

As rail workers go on strike, Mr Byers goes on holiday

Stephen Byers rejects criticism of his decision to take a holiday abroad as parts of the UK's rail network ground to a halt with workers going on strike. He says he hopes the public will accept that politicians are entitled to a private life. A senior MP says Tony Blair should either "back or sack" him.

The BBC's Mark Mardell reports

November 2001

Stephen Byers issues Railtrack with a no-return ticket

The Transport Secretary faces new calls to resign following claims he misled parliament and threatened to overrule the independent rail regulator. Tom Winsor tells a committee of MPs Mr Byers warned him he would use emergency legislation to prevent any funding review that could save the company.

The BBC's Jeff Randall reports

October 2001

Jo Moore's e-mail began the 'spin-gate' scandal

The Transport Department's spin doctor Jo Moore apologises for sending an e-mail on the day the World Trade Center's twin towers collapsed, saying it would be a good time to "bury" some controversial stories. A Downing Street spokesman says she committed an "error of judgement" and that it should be kept in "perspective".

The BBC's Mark Mardell reports