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# Shuffling along
- URL: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/shuffling-along/
- Published: 2007-06-28T08:06:04.000Z
- Updated: 2019-02-14T22:36:35.000Z
- Author: openDemocracy Supporters
- Tags: #en, #Migrated, #Import 2026-04-09 18:23

**Jon Bright (London,** [**OK**](http://ourkingdom.opendemocracy.net/?ref=opendemocracy.net)**):** The political blog section of the web is going into a frenzy of speculation over the new PM's first cabinet. [Nick Robinson](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/nickrobinson/2007/06/embodying%5Fchang.html?ref=opendemocracy.net) has Ed Balls down for Education, Alan Johnson for Health and David Milliband for the Foreign Office. [Benedict Brogan](http://broganblog.dailymail.co.uk/2007/06/the-reshuffle-b.html?ref=opendemocracy.net) hears that Hazel Blears has been the only volunteer for the Home Office. Almost everyone is tipping Alistair Darling as the new chancellor. Rumours of possible defections also abound - see [Guido Fawkes](http://www.order-order.com/?ref=opendemocracy.net) for details ([Iain Dale](http://iaindale.blogspot.com/?ref=opendemocracy.net) also reports that Shirley Williams has been seen going into Gordon Brown's office). [The Guardian](http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/news/archives/2007/06/28/browns%5Fnew%5Fcabinet%5Flive.html?ref=opendemocracy.net) is liveblogging the lot, and have just said the CBI have jumped the gun on Darling's announcement. As [Robert Hazell](http://ourkingdom.opendemocracy.net/2007/06/27/we-will-know-quickly-if-brown-is-serious-about-reform/?ref=opendemocracy.net) notes below, who Gordon picks will tell us vast amounts about his intentions for reform - no wonder everyone's so interested.

**UPDATE:** [Kerron Cross](http://kerroncross.blogspot.com/?ref=opendemocracy.net) thinks John Bercow crossing the floor is "wishful thinking", though it still seems the most likely outright defection. Iain Dale says it's [Jackie Smith for the Home Office](http://iaindale.blogspot.com/?ref=opendemocracy.net) \- dashing his hopes of David Davis tearing strips off Hazel Blears.