Dear Tony,

I am writing to confirm my wish to resign as Secretary of State.

As I explained when I came to see you yesterday morning, I am proud of the role I have played in the government, both as Schools Minister and as Secretary of State.

In many ways, I feel I have achieved more in the first job than I have in the second.

I've learned what I'm good at and also what I'm less good at. I'm good at dealing with the issues and in communicating to the teaching profession.

I am less good at strategic management of a huge department and I am not good at dealing with the modern media.

I believe passionately in what this Labour Government is trying to do

All this has meant that with some of the recent situations I have been involved in, I have not felt I have been as effective as I should be, or as effective as you need me to be.

You were kind enough to say you wanted me to think about it further overnight and be absolutely sure that this is what I want to do. I have done so, and it is.

I will look back with real pride at the role I have played in helping to raise standards in literacy and numeracy in primary schools, in the reform programme we now have for secondary schools, and indeed at all levels of education; and perhaps above all the enhanced status of the teaching profession.

But I feel this is the right decision for me, and for the government.

I also want to thank you personally for giving me the chance to serve in the Cabinet and also for being so considerate and understanding.

I believe passionately in what this Labour Government is trying to do and I will continue to support you in whatever way I can.

Best Wishes, Estelle Morris.