Blair prepares to complete reshuffle
Prime Minister Tony Blair is preparing to unveil the second phase of his reshuffle today – which is widely expected to see a major shake-up of the middle and junior ranks after yesterday’s Cabinet changes.
Following Alan Milburn’s surprise resignation as Health Secretary, the anticipated announcements were delayed all afternoon – with the next set of details emerging only at 17.45.
John Reid became Health Secretary, with Welsh Secretary Peter Hain taking his former post as Leader of the House.
Lord Chancellor Lord Irvine also resigned. His Department is to be subsumed into a new Department of Constitutional Affairs, headed by Mr Blair’s former flatmate and incumbent Home Office Minister Lord Falconer.
Lord Falconer’s Department will also take over the powers of the Scottish Office and the Welsh Office. Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell has retired, in order to reclaim her private life.
The posts of Scottish and Welsh Secretaries, however, will survive – with Transport Secretary Alistair Darling inherting the former title, and Peter Hain the latter.
Cabinet Office Minister Lord MacDonald has also resigned – a move he signalled some weeks ago.
Later yesterday evening, Energy Minister Brian Wilson announced that he too has resigned.
