Reshuffle speculation
alexhilton Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 12:43:53 PM GMT 
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However, despite rumbles on the backbenches, Hoon is thought to have his finger on the pulse of the Parliamentary Labour Party far better than many of his predecessors and it may be too risky to move him in these friable days.
Darling has been buffeted in the Treasury but he is a rare politician who would probably take a demotion to a lesser Cabinet portfolio with good grace rather than resigning in disgust. Brown's instinct will be to promote to the Chancellorship his protege Ed Balls, yet this could prove to be a mistake. David Miliband could be a better appointment, presenting Brown as inclusive and progressive and sending the message to the country that the economy is a greater priority than internal Labour politics.
David Miliband is also a for more effective public and parliamentary performer than Balls, whose charisma could do wonders for confidence in the City. Of course, if the economy does get more shaky over the coming year, then this appointment would serve to ensure Miliband is unable to distance himself in any future leadership election - which could ultimately be to Balls' benefit.
The domestic agenda is bound to dominate the period before the general election and so it will be important to have a Foreign Secretary who commands international respect and has both high intelligence and a sense of nuance and subtlety so that international distractions and pitfalls are avoided in the coming two years. While this is an argument for keeping Miliband where he is, there is a clear outstanding candidate for the role in Hilary Benn.
A left-field appointment would be Jon Cruddas straight into the position of Housing Minister (attending Cabinet). A refusal to accept the appointment would be hard for Cruddas considering the prominence with which he leads on the issue. It would also signal a shift from the "undeserving poor" agenda of Caroline Flint, which has been so unpopular with rank and file members. It would also put him in the position of unofficial whip for the left-wing factions of the PLP, giving him the lead responsibility for preventing highly damaging rebellions.
The other wild card is one of Gordon's oldest allies, Nick Brown - Surely it's time for Nick's return to cabinet?
What are your thoughts on the imminent reshuffle? Who do you think Gordon should shuffle, sack or appoint?
