Cabinet reshuffle: like there’s no tomorrow?

Our place to talk – an independent website for supporters of the Liberal Democrat party in the UK.

The most-read independent website by and for Lib Dem supporters. Not paid for by trade unions or millionaires.

Advert

Cabinet reshuffle: like there’s no tomorrow?

By Helen Duffett | Fri 3rd October 2008 - 11:11 am

Follow @helenduffett

Gordon Brown’s cabinet reshuffle is underway today, with the unexpected return of some old faces:

The biggest surprise is that Peter Mandelson, EU Trade Commissioner since 2004, returns to the cabinet for a third time, this time as Business Secretary. Margaret Beckett is also back, in the new role of “Cabinet Enforcer.”

John Hutton will replace Des Browne as Defence Secretary, Geoff Hoon replaces Ruth Kelly at Transport.

The reshuffle is being presented as Government readiness to tackle the crises in the economy and the environment. However, as Alex Foster said here yesterday, this could appear to be a rearranging of the deckchairs, in a Government with enough crises of its own.

Will the new cabinet make a difference to the country and to Labour’s fortunes? Or is it too late?

Read more by Helen Duffett or more about peter mandelson.
This entry was posted in News.

Advert

6 Comments

Julian H 3rd Oct '08 - 11:20am

Ed Mili to head “Department for energy security and climate change”

From the BBC:

“A new department is being created to deal with the pressing challenges of energy security and climate change. It will combine the energy responsibilities of the business department and the climate focus of the environment ministry.”

Rumours are that Ed Miliband will be its minister.
Simon 3rd Oct '08 - 11:28am

Does that mean that Peter Mandeleson has had more comebacks to Cabinet than anyone sicne Churchill?
asquith 3rd Oct '08 - 11:47am

It would be interesting to see Camoron’s response if this new government department were set up 🙂
Andrew Reeves 3rd Oct '08 - 11:59am

The return of Peter was summed up very well by Iain Smith MSP (at the Glenrothes campaign HQ) just now – back to the future.
Julian H 3rd Oct '08 - 12:00pm

He’d keep it, but change the name to the “Department for energy security, climate change and children playing on pure organic grass amid rainbows”.
crewegwyn 3rd Oct '08 - 9:45pm

Dept for Energy Security ??

Surprised he hasn’t brought back Manny Shinwell !!