A Friday reshuffle could be fatal to Brown
James Forsyth 9:27pmA report on Politics Home has sparked off speculation here in Manchester that Brown will reshuffle his Cabinet before the end of this week. It is easy to see why this might appeal to the Brownites; the rebels are still not sure what to do next, David Miliband can’t decide whether to go for it or not and Brown’s authority is getting a temporary boost from conference. But this option is fraught with risk. First, there is the danger that a Minister might simply refuse to move—one has let it be known that he would walk rather relinquish his current job. Second, for any reshuffle to actually do anything for the government’s fortunes in the medium term it would have to move around the people in the top three jobs. Doing that, though, could bring down Brown.
If Brown moved Darling he would render absurd his argument that you can’t change the leader during a time of economic crisis. Short of Chancellor, it is hard to see what job Miliband would take: the Home Office is a far less powerful department having lost half of its duties with the creation of the Ministry of Justice. Also Jacqui Smith, a former chief whip, is not someone that Brown wants to alienate right now.
The final problem with reshuffling so soon is that Brown might keep or promote a Minister only for them to resign after Glenrothes. Then again, as someone said to me earlier this evening, there are no good options for Brown right now.
PS Do read Iain Martin on the 'nuclear option' of making Balls Chancellor.
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King Prawn
September 22nd, 2008 9:56pm Report this commentIf Darling is removed, will he spill the beans on the mess that GB has been making specifically over Norther Rock and the 10p tax fiasco.
He has to live or die with Darling
Howard
September 22nd, 2008 10:20pm Report this commentHow can there be a reshuffle. Brown is in the States, or has the trip been cancelled?
TGF UKIP
September 22nd, 2008 10:38pm Report this commentIs Gordon going to be brave and take one huge gamble, a central part of which would be Balls as Chancellor.
The scenario is not too difficult to envision. Primarily because of the action taken in the US, the febrile and fragile financial crisis could quieten down in the coming months (though by no means certain - too much poison in the system - all those daft private equity deals for a start) for which quietening Brown/Balls take credit. Next to buy off Woodley-Simpson & Co, Red Ed (as he will brief himself) imposes a form of tax that can be presented as a windfall tax, and to please the Sun and Mirror, Red Ed in his pre-Budget Statement announces a People's Tax Cut financed, in a very small part, by doing a Forsyth and taxing those earning ******* six figures or more but principally by extra borrowing, justified of course "by the international financial problems emanating from America".) Also to phonily show he is his own man Red Ed announces some very modest and entirely token "reductions in Government spending "to show we share your pain."
Like any desperate man, Gordon is looking for, and needs, an "in one bound he was free" scenario.
As more than a bit of a loon, nothing is beyond him.
mitch
September 23rd, 2008 5:40am Report this commentBalls at the treasury Oh my god! this moron shouldn't be allowed out on his own.He may have had a very expensive education but his parents should ask for a refund,proof positive you cannot polish a turd.
Ian C
September 23rd, 2008 11:44am Report this commentEnvisage, please TGF UKIP, envisage. Americanisms are painful on the eyes as well as the ears.
Otherwise agree.
Ian C
September 23rd, 2008 11:51am Report this commentHaving read Martin's article it occurs to me that he could only give Balls the Chancellorship if he gives the FO to Darling (the only 'promotion' available - experienced recent chancellor to deal with fellow gov'ts on the crunch and other international issues that have financial implications sort of bollocks).
And we know what that means for Milli-bland. So unlikely for GB to so openly invite the challenge.
MartSharm
September 23rd, 2008 2:03pm Report this commentBrown will not have Balls because Brown has got no balls.
TGF UKIP
September 23rd, 2008 7:23pm Report this commentSorry, Ian C, to hurt your eyes and your sensibilities, no idea where that came from. Don't even recall seeing "envision" anywhere before.
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