MacDonald to exit Cabinet at next reshuffle
Lord Gus Macdonald of Tradeston has announced plans to leave the Government at the next Cabinet reshuffle to spend ‘lots of time doing other things.’
Although Lord Macdonald will continue on working in the Lords, he will pass on his responsibilities as minister for the Cabinet and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
He has had the onerous task of reforming Whitehall, working alongside Douglas Alexander, MP for Paisley South.
There is speculation that the move has been prompted somewhat by Blairites, anxious to rid the higher echelons of Government of Gordon Brown’s influence and to clear the way for a fresh intake of pro-Blair ministers.
The Cabinet reshuffle is expected after June 9, the day Chancellor Gordon Brown announces the Government’s intention on whether to hold a referendum on the single currency.
A source said yesterday: ‘He’s stayed longer than he intended to when he first joined the government in 1998. He feels he’s done enough, so he has told the prime minister that he wants to stand down at the next reshuffle.’
Some political commentators forecast that the vacant post may be filled by Peter Mandelson.
