The end of a turbulent week...

I meant to post this message about this past week in Britsih politics yesterday (Friday), but deferred to the news of the unexpected reshuffle of the cabinet by Gordon Brown. But what an interesting but damaging (for some) week it has been. Jacqui Smith set the ball rolling on Tuesday when BBC News reported of her resignation from the Home Office. At this point a cabinet reshuffle was expected after the results of the European elections tommorow. This was just another repercussion of the Expenses scandal - she was the one who claimed for the 'adult movie' for her husband. I kinda though that her resignation was inevitable. I belive she has . As Gordon Brown said in PMQ's that day, crime is down. But I feel will be hard to erase the memory of the many stabbings of younger people in the UK. Over 100 people aged 10-19 have either been stabed or beaten since 1st January last year. Shocking facts that we will remember when we think of Jacqui Smith's time in charge of Home Affairs. The next day, the eve of the Local and European electons, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears quited the cabinet, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Gordon Brown. No great loss really, one of 'Blair's Babes', who I never thought would work under Brown's leadership. She has been been replaced by much more competent John Denham. The resignations continued, less important junior minsters came out after further expense revelations. But the big one didnt come until Thursday, the polls had closed, the votes are being counted and verified then, bang! James Purnell had resigned from Work and Pensions. This angered me greatly as you may know from my other posts. That then set the bar for Friday. After the very poor election results (for Labour). A string of further resignations including John Hutton and Margaret Beckett followed. I had thought before that Beckett would be in the Cabinet in some capacity, perhaps Health Secretary. in conclusion, I feel the week has ended with a smart reshuffling by Brown followed by a strong defence of the resignations to the harsh Fleet Street press & Nick Robinson, of course.

In a very turbulent week in Westminster, Gordon Brown can only hope next week isnt as bad but with the results of the Euro elections, who knows what could happen. Brown will hope to lie low and just do his job. I hope he succeeds. Well, that's what I think...