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Latest: Brown's cabinet reshuffle Latest: Brown's cabinet reshuffle
(10 minutes later)
By Justin ParkinsonBy Justin Parkinson
Gordon Brown is reshuffling the government ahead of Parliament's recall next week. We will bring you all news as it happens, as well as expert analysis and a round-up of the rumours and gossip swirling around Westminster.Gordon Brown is reshuffling the government ahead of Parliament's recall next week. We will bring you all news as it happens, as well as expert analysis and a round-up of the rumours and gossip swirling around Westminster.
MOVEMENTS SO FAR:MOVEMENTS SO FAR:
In: None yetIn: None yet
Out: Ruth Kelly, Lord JonesOut: Ruth Kelly, Lord Jones
Moved: None yetMoved: None yet
All times BSTAll times BST
2050: Home Office Minister Liam Byrne has received much attention as a possible for promotion to the cabinet. Yet word is going around that his colleague, the tough-talking Tony McNulty, could be about to make the step-up, possibly to chief whip, if Mr Hoon moves on. It sounds like a neat arrangement, and therefore is very plausible for hacks, but Downing Street is saying nothing.2050: Home Office Minister Liam Byrne has received much attention as a possible for promotion to the cabinet. Yet word is going around that his colleague, the tough-talking Tony McNulty, could be about to make the step-up, possibly to chief whip, if Mr Hoon moves on. It sounds like a neat arrangement, and therefore is very plausible for hacks, but Downing Street is saying nothing.
2035: Could this be the image of the day? Chief Whip Geoff Hoon, himself the object of much reshuffle-related speculation - including reports he might become a European commissioner - gives a shrug to reporters as he leaves Downing Street. He has said he wants to remain in the cabinet, and the smart money seems to be on that happening. But you never know.2035: Could this be the image of the day? Chief Whip Geoff Hoon, himself the object of much reshuffle-related speculation - including reports he might become a European commissioner - gives a shrug to reporters as he leaves Downing Street. He has said he wants to remain in the cabinet, and the smart money seems to be on that happening. But you never know.
1840: It's all gone a bit quiet on the reshuffle front, with the media's main focus on Sir Ian Blair's resignation as chief commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. The first editions of Friday's newspapers, available later this evening, might throw some further illumination on Mr Brown's intentions. 1840: It's all gone a bit quiet on the reshuffle front, with the media's main focus on Sir Ian Blair's resignation as commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. The first editions of Friday's newspapers, available later this evening, might throw some further illumination on Mr Brown's intentions.
1740: Could backbencher Graham Allen be replacing David Miliband? I wouldn't put the mortgage on it. A colleague tells me that, when the Nottingham North MP visited Number 10 earlier, he was asked whether he had been offered a cabinet post. Beaming broadly, with tongue firmly in cheek, he replied: "Foreign secretary, but I turned the job down." Nice to see someone keeping a sense of humour during these tense times.1740: Could backbencher Graham Allen be replacing David Miliband? I wouldn't put the mortgage on it. A colleague tells me that, when the Nottingham North MP visited Number 10 earlier, he was asked whether he had been offered a cabinet post. Beaming broadly, with tongue firmly in cheek, he replied: "Foreign secretary, but I turned the job down." Nice to see someone keeping a sense of humour during these tense times.
1725: After Lord Jones' departure, might there be another "Goat" (government of all the talents member) in the offing? David Yelland, former editor of The Sun, has been into Number 10. He refused to answer reporters' questions. Maybe he was just there for a reception.1725: After Lord Jones' departure, might there be another "Goat" (government of all the talents member) in the offing? David Yelland, former editor of The Sun, has been into Number 10. He refused to answer reporters' questions. Maybe he was just there for a reception.
1636: Sky is reporting that sources at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs expect Hilary Benn to leave in the reshuffle. Such a move has been rumoured for several days around Westminster.1636: Sky is reporting that sources at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs expect Hilary Benn to leave in the reshuffle. Such a move has been rumoured for several days around Westminster.
1625: My colleague Iain Watson told me, before heading off to cover Sir Ian Blair's resignation as Met police chief, that Liam Byrne is head of the list of those tipped to be promoted to cabinet. Jim Murphy is another being tipped for a move up the rankings. Some newspapers say Jon Cruddas, who ran as the leftiest candidate in Labour's deputy leadership contest, could be on his way onto the government payroll. Iain also says sources have told him there may be more "outside experts" brought in, though not as direct replacements for the ex-CBI chief Lord Digby Jones.1625: My colleague Iain Watson told me, before heading off to cover Sir Ian Blair's resignation as Met police chief, that Liam Byrne is head of the list of those tipped to be promoted to cabinet. Jim Murphy is another being tipped for a move up the rankings. Some newspapers say Jon Cruddas, who ran as the leftiest candidate in Labour's deputy leadership contest, could be on his way onto the government payroll. Iain also says sources have told him there may be more "outside experts" brought in, though not as direct replacements for the ex-CBI chief Lord Digby Jones.
1620: Another MP to be seen heading into Number 10 today has been Graham Allen. He has not been mentioned in reshuffle speculation, as far as I can tell, and he may well be there on other business. If not, you read it here first.1620: Another MP to be seen heading into Number 10 today has been Graham Allen. He has not been mentioned in reshuffle speculation, as far as I can tell, and he may well be there on other business. If not, you read it here first.
1615: So far today those cameras have captured Ruth Kelly, as mentioned, heading into No 10. Perhaps more significantly John Hutton - the Blairite tipped by the Daily Telegraph amongst others as likely to be moved from the business secretary job has also been in. He left poker-faced. Chief whip Geoff Hoon, tipped last week for a move to Europe, has also been in.1615: So far today those cameras have captured Ruth Kelly, as mentioned, heading into No 10. Perhaps more significantly John Hutton - the Blairite tipped by the Daily Telegraph amongst others as likely to be moved from the business secretary job has also been in. He left poker-faced. Chief whip Geoff Hoon, tipped last week for a move to Europe, has also been in.
1610: It's traditional at reshuffle time for ministers to head into Downing Street to hear the good - or bad - news, even though conversations can always be had by phone. Nonetheless TV crews outside No 10 have been recording all the comings and goings. They may be attending routine meetings - but they might also be about to get a Dear John letter from Gordon.1610: It's traditional at reshuffle time for ministers to head into Downing Street to hear the good - or bad - news, even though conversations can always be had by phone. Nonetheless TV crews outside No 10 have been recording all the comings and goings. They may be attending routine meetings - but they might also be about to get a Dear John letter from Gordon.
1605: To fill in a bit more of the story so far - Downing Street sought to play down speculation of a reshuffle taking place on Thursday, telling reporters in the morning lobby briefing that Gordon Brown was "very focused on other issues". But the BBC understands that Ruth Kelly was in Downing Street this morning for a "leisurely chat" with Gordon Brown, at the prime minister's instigation, suggesting that changes are afoot.1605: To fill in a bit more of the story so far - Downing Street sought to play down speculation of a reshuffle taking place on Thursday, telling reporters in the morning lobby briefing that Gordon Brown was "very focused on other issues". But the BBC understands that Ruth Kelly was in Downing Street this morning for a "leisurely chat" with Gordon Brown, at the prime minister's instigation, suggesting that changes are afoot.
1602: There had been speculation of mass resignations or a big reshuffle after the murmurings about Gordon Brown's leadership over the summer. But it now seems that the financial crisis - and a relatively successful Labour conference - have lessened that likelihood, with most changes likely among middle and lower-ranking ministers.1602: There had been speculation of mass resignations or a big reshuffle after the murmurings about Gordon Brown's leadership over the summer. But it now seems that the financial crisis - and a relatively successful Labour conference - have lessened that likelihood, with most changes likely among middle and lower-ranking ministers.
1600: The story so far: Just a day after the party conference season ended, the prime minister is setting about reshuffling his front bench. We already know Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly is going. She says she wants to spend more time with her family. Trade Minister Lord Jones - not a Labour member but brought in last year to form part of Gordon Brown's "government of all the talents" - has also told the BBC he will be stepping down.1600: The story so far: Just a day after the party conference season ended, the prime minister is setting about reshuffling his front bench. We already know Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly is going. She says she wants to spend more time with her family. Trade Minister Lord Jones - not a Labour member but brought in last year to form part of Gordon Brown's "government of all the talents" - has also told the BBC he will be stepping down.