Inside Westminster: Opposition in reshuffle mood

Published on Thursday 8 January 2009 20:59

WHILE Gordon Brown took his Cabinet on a magical mystery tour of Liverpool to seek inspiration for dealing with the economic crisis, the other main parties were deconstructing their top teams.

There is strong speculation that David Cameron could offer a way back for Ken Clarke, pitting him against Lord Mandelson as shadow business secretary.

A reshuffle was due weeks ago, but The Scotsman understands it was delayed because the "big beast" had to be wooed.

"Both sides – David Cameron and Ken Clarke – have a list of caveats. All we are waiting for now is for all of those boxes to be ticked," a Tory source said.

Undoubtedly one of the sticky issues is Europe. Clarke is archly pro-European and leads a Conservative rebel list because of his support for the euro. One insider said the front-bench policy on this was clear.

"It is no coincidence that William Hague (the shadow foreign secretary) has been in the press saying that there is no way a Conservative government would take Britain into the euro," the source said.

Appointing Clarke to the shadow cabinet would pose an implicit challenge to George Osborne, the shadow chancellor. But one senior Tory insists it would be "astonishing" if Osborne were to be moved.

Alan Duncan, the shadow business secretary, could be a casualty of a reshuffle, but one supporter said "that would be so unfair. He worked all over Christmas and has done more than his share of regional tours".

The Tories are also more relaxed about the prospect of an imminent general election. They feel it is more likely to come next year, despite the leader's "bring it on" bravado.

The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, have also carried out a reshuffle. Nick Clegg has given a reprieve to some front-benchers he was overheard deriding on a plane journey.

Steven Webb, whom Clegg reportedly "can't stand", will be work and pensions spokesman.

Clegg had also wanted to demote his former leadership rival, Chris Huhne, and yesterday stripped him of his responsibilities for justice while letting him keep home affairs.

Insiders say the party is divided on which way to go at the general election.

"Clegg is obsessed with fighting Tory marginals, at a time when the Conservatives will be stronger than at any time in the last decade," said one source.