Brighton Skip Hire

Mini-reshuffle on the cards as Brown wields expenses axe – Yahoo! News UK

The prime minister is widely rumoured to be preparing for a mini-reshuffle as attorney general Baroness Scotland fights for her political career.

The peer has been in a tenuous position since last week when it was revealed her housekeeper was an illegal immigrant.

Embarrassingly for the government, Baroness Scotland was behind the recent law which makes it an offence for an employer to hire illegal workers – even unwittingly.

Further revelations that the peer has received a second home allowance of £38,280 a year for the last five years – despite having her main home in the capital – mean many within Whitehall expect her departure to be a case of “when” not “if”.

Reports suggest she will be replaced by solicitor general Vera Baird.

There are already several gaps in the cabinet including vacancies left by the recent departures of health minister Lord Darzi and foreign minister Lord Malloch-Brown.

It is rumoured that Mr Brown will use the opportunity to clear out the 'deadwood' of ministers who were tainted by the expenses scandal such as Shahid Malik.

Widely tipped for a return is Margaret Hodge, who is expected to return to her position as arts minister, following a year off on compassionate grounds.

The mini-reshuffle is likely to take place after the forthcoming Labour party conference in Brighton.