03.09.12
Government reshuffle to be ‘more wide ranging’ than expected
Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to embark on a major reshuffle of Government, ranging across all levels of posts, to rejuvenate the coalition.
The announcement is expected this week, possibly tomorrow.
George Osborne, William Hague and Theresa May are expected to remain in their posts, despite much pressure to swap Osborne’s role following his unpopularity through his approach to the economy.
Departures could include Kenneth Clarke, justice secretary, and Cheryl Gillan, the welsh secretary. Employment minister Chris Grayling and housing minister Grant Shapps are being tipped for promotion.
The former Liberal Democrat chief secretary to the Treasury David Laws is expected to return, possibly as a minister in the education department.
A government spokesperson said: “David has deliberately waited until pretty much the midway point of the parliament before embarking on this reshuffle because he wanted ministers to bed down. But now it is time to make changes.
“The reshuffle will be much more wide ranging than people think. This is not so much about putting the election fighting team in place. It is more about putting in place the strongest government for the second half of this parliament.”
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Image: first cabinet meeting, May 2010, Crown Copyright