Another Cabinet minister gets the treatment
James Forsyth 2:31pm
Even though it is Tory conference week, I think the most important political story of the week might be the expected Cabinet reshuffle. If Brown gets it wrong, the chances of him being pushed out before the next election will increase dramatically.
Judging from today’s papers, it seems that the Brownite poision is now being directed against James Purnell. This is unbelievably foolish. Purnell has been one of the very few successes of the Brown government and demoting him would likely prompt a rebellion in the Cabinet and the party.
Brown’s principal reshuffle problem is that he can afford to move very few people but a minor reshuffle would be another demonstration of just how weak his position is. Of course, Brown could always put it off. One source close to the Prime Minister has told The Sunday Times “I would not bet on it [a reshuffle] happening in the next week. We’re focused on the financial crisis.” But having let it be known that there would be a reshuffle this Friday, a delay would show how unsure of his options the Prime Minister is.
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TrevorsDen
September 28th, 2008 2:53pm Report this commentJames who?
Don't worry, if Brown reshuffles him out he will probably airbrush himself back in.
Faceless Bureaucrat
September 28th, 2008 3:19pm Report this commentJames - If he does get get dumped, it may be due in no small measure to you and Fraser continually banging-on about him potentially being the man to replace Brown. Being a Labour Minister who is constantly praised in the Spectator must be the equivalent to a Death Warrant in the eyes of the Labour Party. So on that basis, who shall we target next?...
mitch
September 28th, 2008 3:49pm Report this comment"Purnell has been one of the very few successes of the Brown government" your joking yes?
djcampbell
September 28th, 2008 4:28pm Report this commentI just think you guys no alot less about internal labour party disputes than you think. Are the brown camp really briefing you or is it just the ultras?
Oscar
September 28th, 2008 5:08pm Report this commentThe purge of the Blairites is advancing with Stalinist ruthlessness. How long ago it now seems that Brown talked about a collegiate cabinet, all the talents and a big tent. Now it's all about 'you can't be in our gang, our gang, our gang'.
Max Kaye
September 28th, 2008 6:08pm Report this commentTo rate Purnell as a success demonstrates the absolute poverty of skills in this government.
Frank Guy
September 29th, 2008 9:14am Report this commentWhat's so good about him?
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