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From The Sunday Times
September 28, 2008

Ministers threaten to quit over reshuffle

Isabel Oakeshott, Deputy Political Editor

GORDON BROWN’S plans for a cabinet reshuffle were in disarray yesterday as it emerged that a string of ministers could resign if they were moved.

Downing Street sources say that Brown is likely to put off a reshuffle again amid fears that attempts to switch key figures could backfire dramatically.

His allies argue that it would be inappropriate to focus on the make-up of the cabinet at a time of economic crisis. But insiders say attempts to change the frontbench team have become even more fraught since the Labour party conference, leaving the prime minister desperate to buy time.

Among the figures who have made it known through friends that they do not want to change posts are Alistair Darling, the chancellor, David Mili-band, the foreign secretary, and Alan Johnson, the health secretary. James Purnell, the work and pensions secretary, is said to have been stung by a whispering campaign that he could be demoted and has told allies that he would quit rather than accept a less powerful role.

Since the conference, it has also become clear that Brown risks a backlash if he demotes or sacks Hazel Blears, the communities secretary, who gave a stellar performance in Man-chester and is emerging as one of the most popular figures with rank-and-file members.

A source close to the prime minister said: “I would not bet on it [a reshuffle] happening in the next week. We’re focused on the financial crisis.”

Brown must act soon because of the resignation of Ruth Kelly, the transport secretary. She has said she will stay on until a reshuffle but she will now be seen as a lame duck.

Brown is under pressure to clip the wings of Harriet Har-man, the deputy leader, who has alienated a number of senior colleagues. She is said to have infuriated Jacqui Smith, the home secretary, by “stealing” a policy announcement on changes to prostitution laws. The incident is said to have triggered a bitter argument between the two women.

If Gordon Brown is too weak and indescisive to reshuffle his own cabinet he's too weak and indescisive to be Prime Minister.If the cabinet succeed in preventing him making the changes he wants to make they will move in for the kill after the Glenrothes by election and oust him.

iain smith, falkirk, uk

What's the point of moving useless Ministers from one Cabinet post to another. They are incompetent and are led by a Prime Minister who isn't fit for purpose. Call an election so we can get rid of the whole incompetent lot in one go.

Donna Walker, Effingham, England

A reshuffle is akin to shifting the deck chairs on the Titianic. The public don't want to give Brown a second chance because he IS Labour's second chance! They don't see it and refused to push him when they knew they had to, so now instead of looking at a period in opposition they face anihilation.

Jon, Brimingham.,

This is standard form: Brown lets it be leaked that something big is going to happen but as the decision point approaches he becomes nervous, chews his nails and dithers for a while. Finally he makes up a mealy mouthed excuse for why now is not the right time

Gordon - stop dithering - do something!

Ian, London, UK

Don't just think about it or threaten to quit: just go!
And the sooner the better....

David, Malvern,

"New Labour RIP?

peter c, Devizes, Wessex"

......................

Rest in Peace!!??

Rot in HELL is more appropriate!

Carl, Lancs, UK

Put some steel in your spine Gordo and perservere with your reshuffle. The sooner we see the backs of the likes of these characters, the better off Britain will be!

Dennis Eagan, Colorado Springs, US

Watch out for Harman,this ultra PC, feminist ,pro-Gay rights,woman wants the top job!

raymond joseph douglas, northampton, uk

maybe the pointed absence of "new Labour", Bliar - style,from his conference speech upset the Blairites. he seemed to go back to just Labour simpliciter, although new did precede the word policies but not the word Labour . New Labour RIP?

peter c, Devizes, Wessex

prostitutes? - sex workers surely- yuck. a hooker is a tart and a tart is a prostitute and a prostitute is a prostitute and no euphemism changes that simple fact

peter c, Devizes, Wessex

These are all good reasons to have a reshuffle - if true, these Ministers who do wish to be reshuffled are clearly more concerned about their positions than about improving government performance. So let them resign - they'll soon be forgotten and, in some cases, definitely not missed.

Dr I Burgess, Bristol,

Even if there is an economic crisis life goes on and if Brown is not challenged now, then when? It is time that Labour face up to their excuses and accept that Brown was the wrong choice. Once they accept it and remove him life can have a sense normality.

Chuckles Johnson, London, UK

Most voters don't give a damn about a reshuffle. They just want the chance to get rid of this shabby pack of second-raters as soon as poss.

David Russell, Sheffield, UK

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