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.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate, free for a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first month free.
UNLOCK ACCESS Try a month freeAlready a subscriber? Log in