Britain's new cabinet

Article Abstract:

The cabinet reshuffle instigated by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been widely interpreted as an effort by Blair to boost his control over the cabinet. However, this would not appear to be a very convincing explanation, given that Blair remains extremely popular and therefore has no need to assert his power. It is more likely that his reshuffle has been fuelled by a desire to restrict the influence of Chancellor Gordon Brown. It appears that Blair is now moving away from radical reform, particularly with the removal of Frank Field as junior minister at Social Security.

---

Whitehall's tug of war

Article Abstract:

Mixed views have been expressed about the implications of the UK government's cabinet reshuffle for relations between Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown. The reshuffle brought Blair supporters into positions of power, while Brown's preferences were overlooked. However, Brown has been able to retain Geoffrey Robinson, a key adviser, as a Treasury minister, and has benefited from the fact that Peter Mandelson was not appointed cabinet co-ordinator. Changes prompted by conflict over welfare and social security reform have also benefited Brown.

---

Friends and neighbours

Article Abstract:

Blair and Brown differ over Britain's entry into the European Monetary Union, but the two old friends are likely to come to a compromise. Brown favors quick entry into the EMU while Blair is more cautious, but their friendship and political need for one another will influence their policy.

Column, European Monetary System

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Banking's biggest disaster. First and worst: South Korean banks. Credit crunch: another bailout of Credit Lyonnais will undermine Europe's fight against market-crippling state aids
• Abstracts: Securities firms feel heat. Investor-protection fund roils foreigners. Merrill tests market's door
• Abstracts: Bankers Trust. A series of complex issues
• Abstracts: Chipping towards the truth. Leadership, and the lack of it. Mea minima culpa
• Abstracts: Refitting on the Clyde. Lairds and land. Letting go

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.