BRITAIN: The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, completed his government reshuffle last night with comebacks for the former education secretary, Ms Estelle Morris, and a former minister, Mr Chris Mullin.
The surprise return for Ms Morris as Arts Minister comes after she resigned last October, saying she was not up to her cabinet role. Her new, more junior job fulfils a promise Mr Blair made to her when she quit, saying he had no doubt she would return to government.
Mr Mullin returns as a Foreign Office Minister. He served as a minister in the Departments of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and International Development before returning to the back benches. Mr Blair's spokesman said the Prime Minister had "always had a high regard for his abilities".
Altogether 48 promotions or resignations from government were announced by Mr Blair yesterday, despite Downing Street's earlier claim that the changes would be strictly limited.
The Environment Minister, Mr Michael Meacher, stepped down, with his departmental colleague, Mr Elliot Morley, promoted to Minister of State and the former deputy Commons leader, Mr Ben Bradshaw, also joining the department.
No 10 said exact ministerial portfolios across Whitehall were still being decided, and details would become clear next week.
But a new post of Minister for Children was created in the Department for Education, filled by Ms Margaret Hodge. She will take charge of family and child protection issues, with the government promising a green paper in the wake of the Victoria Climbie scandal.
Among those joining Mr Meacher in quitting government were Lady Blackstone as Arts Minister, Mr Nick Brown as Minister of Work and Lord MacDonald from the Cabinet Office.
- (PA)