Milburn expected to return to Cabinet
Speculation has mounted over the weekend about an impending government reshuffle, with former health secretary Alan Milburn being widely tipped for a return to the Cabinet.
The Darlington MP resigned unexpectedly from the government in 2003 to spend more time with his family.
Several newspapers are suggesting that Mr Milburn is poised to take over the post of Labour Party chairman, currently held by Ian McCartney, in order to play a central role in the run-up to the general election – widely expected to be held in May next year.
Mr McCartney played a key part in Labour’s negotiations with the unions over the summer on the next manifesto.
General secretary of the GMB union, Kevin Curran, warned against moving him.
“I hope this turns out to be the daft reshuffle speculation it appears to be. It would be completely retrograde to move Mr McCartney, who is doing a sterling job as party chairman. Ian is a major asset to the party and his presence in the cabinet is a comfort for trades unionists and party activists alike”, he said.
Dave Prentis of UNISON also expressed his support for Mr McCartney. “‘Ian is an effective operator and a real friend to the trade unions and grass roots’ Labour members. He worked hard behind the scenes to heal the rifts within the Party. Without his efforts, the divisions between us and Cabinet ministers would have widened”, he declared.
Mr Milburn’s successor at the Department of Health, John Reid, however, has expressed his support for his return to front-line politics.
“If you ask me whether we miss people of the talents of Alan Milburn, yes by God we do. He is an immense talent”, Dr Reid told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.
