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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Cabinet reshuffle is under way | Cabinet reshuffle is under way |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Gordon Brown's cabinet reshuffle is under way, the BBC has been told. | Gordon Brown's cabinet reshuffle is under way, the BBC has been told. |
| The changes follow the resignation of Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, who says she wants to spend more time with her family. | The changes follow the resignation of Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, who says she wants to spend more time with her family. |
| But sources have told the BBC it is not merely a "tidying up exercise" but an attempt to reconfigure government to tackle the economic crisis. | But sources have told the BBC it is not merely a "tidying up exercise" but an attempt to reconfigure government to tackle the economic crisis. |
| Most cabinet members have been briefed on the changes, which are expected to affect lower level ministers the most. | Most cabinet members have been briefed on the changes, which are expected to affect lower level ministers the most. |
| Downing Street sources have told the BBC to expect a small number of changes at cabinet level but quite a lot of movement at junior ministerial level. The chancellor, home secretary and foreign secretary, are not expected to change. | |
| But the BBC has learned that Sir John Bond, the chairman of Vodafone, may become a "business ambassador" for the government. | |
| Among those who have been tipped for promotion are immigration minister Liam Byrne, housing minister Caroline Flint, Home Office minister Tony McNulty and backbencher Jon Cruddas, who did well in last year's deputy leadership race. | Among those who have been tipped for promotion are immigration minister Liam Byrne, housing minister Caroline Flint, Home Office minister Tony McNulty and backbencher Jon Cruddas, who did well in last year's deputy leadership race. |
| There has been speculation that Environment Secretary Hilary Benn might be axed from the cabinet but the BBC's James Landale said he had been told by sources that was "not definitive". | |
| The creation of a new National Economic Committee is also expected to be confirmed, to bring together ministers across government to deal with the economic crisis. | The creation of a new National Economic Committee is also expected to be confirmed, to bring together ministers across government to deal with the economic crisis. |
| The BBC has learned that the prime minister spoke to some of the ministers involved on Thursday and is expected to have spoken to everyone involved before leaving for a regional visit later on Friday. | The BBC has learned that the prime minister spoke to some of the ministers involved on Thursday and is expected to have spoken to everyone involved before leaving for a regional visit later on Friday. |