Bush's media supremo quits White House job

President Bush lost his closest media adviser yesterday when Karen Hughes resigned to return to Texas with her husband and 15-year-old son.

Although far less visible than the relatively junior Ari Fleischer, she was, behind the scenes, always audible and immensely powerful.

Mrs Hughes has been at the heart of the Bush operation since his days as governor of Texas, and has headed the 42-strong communications team since the presidential term began 16 months ago.

She has been, in effect, Mr Bush's Alastair Campbell figure throughout his time in politics, advising on overall strategy as well as media relations.

The president insisted that she would still be on hand. "She may be changing addresses, but she's not leaving my inner circle," he said. However, that circle will inevitably become a little wider.

There is thought to be nothing sinister in the move but it is an indication of how quickly people can burn out at the White House.

Mrs Hughes was expected to attend all major meetings and travel alongside the president on all his trips. She had a scheduled meeting with her son once a week which she called their "midweek moment".

Although she will continue to play a role, Dan Bartlett, the White House communications director, is expected to take her place officially.