The main rule when it comes to briefing about the next reshuffle is: You should always brief about the next reshuffle. Wouldn’t want the ministers getting too relaxed now…
The i has put out some thinly-sourced speculation which manages to get the date of the “March” Spending Review wrong. It’s in June…
Guido hears the current plan is to execute a small targeted reshuffle after the Spending Review. Numerous government sources tell Guido Downing Street is impressed by the 2024 intake of MPs and will move some of the most capable into lower and middling ministerial positions. Take note new MPs…
When it comes to senior ministers Guido hears any live issues will be dealt with at that point. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is at risk of being moved – one Downing Street source says there is disquiet “with her grip on the issues there” and that there have been “too many unforced errors, even for the Home Office.” As a “Mission Department” responsible for immigration and law and order the Home Office is constantly in the news – policy/communications mismanagements blow up much more readily…
Guido is told Rachel Reeves’ ability to stay on as Chancellor has long rested on how the difficult multi-year Spending Review goes down. Reliable fixer Pat McFadden is ready to fill the boots in case Reeves finds herself out of a job. The same applies to the Home Office. He may be getting the keys to No 11 sooner than he thought seeing as Reeves is under significant pressure as of today…
There is some consternation regarding business secretary Jonathan Reynolds – Guido hears Downing Street is unconvinced he is “the right man for a world where trade is front and centre.” Trade minister Douglas Alexander is tipped by some for promotion. Heavyweights needed in Trump’s trade world…
Starmer’s very close ally Richard Hermer is unlikely to be dislodged for some time despite press reports. Bridget Phillipson is known to be a “darling of the unions,” though the prevailing opinion is that she is liked and crucially would be too chaotic to replace. The same applies to Liz Kendall. Both have received heavy slaps from Downing Street’s briefing operation…
Former leader of the SNP in Westminster Ian Blackford told Times Radio why he believes Nicola Sturgeon’s claim that she spent no time in the kitchen and therefore didn’t see any of her husband’s purchases:
“She doesn’t have a passion for cooking.”