WASHINGTON, June 1: Dan Bartlett, a key member of President George W. Bush's inner circle and an aide for him going back more than 13 years, announced on Friday he is resigning as White House consular effective July 4.

In an interview, Bartlett, who turned 36 on Friday, said he had been pondering his departure for months and decided now is the best time to get a less demanding job so he can concentrate on helping raise three children all under the age of 4.

He is the most important White House insider to leave Bush's side since the resignation last November of Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

Bartlett started working for Bush in October 1993 in Bush's first race for Texas governor. He stayed with him through another gubernatorial campaign and two presidential elections.

“His contribution has been immeasurable. I value his judgment and I treasure his friendship,” Bush said in a statement.

“I understand his decision to make his young family his first priority. His most important job is to be a loving husband and father of three young sons.

—Reuters