Senior Australia ministers Evans and Roxon resign

Two senior Australian ministers have announced surprise resignations, only days after Prime Minister Julia Gillard called early elections.

Chris Evans, the government leader in the Senate, and Attorney-General Nicola Roxon both said they were quitting politics for personal reasons.

Local media described the resignations as a severe blow for the Labor Party.

Ms Gillard said she would swear in a new cabinet on Monday before parliament sits for the first time this year.

She praised the contributions of Mr Evans and Ms Roxon and revealed she had known for a year that neither wanted to remain in politics.

"I've always had it in my mind that this was the time to announce new arrangements," she told a joint news conference with the departing ministers in the capital, Canberra.

"We will be able to present the Australian people with a rejuvenated team as we move into the parliamentary year of 2013."