First female Home Secretary as Brown wields axe in radical reshuffle
28th June 2007
Daily Mail
Chancellor of the Exchequer: Alistair Darling
HOW SOME OF GORDON BROWN'S NEW CABINET LOOKS
IN
ALISTAIR DARLING
New post:Chancellor
The former Trade Secretary, a close ally of Mr Brown, has been well-rewarded for his loyalty by being handed 'the big job' at the Treasury.
Although sometimes accused of being boring, he is regarded as a "safe pair of hands".
Mr Darling was appointed Transport Secretary in 2002 in the wake of the Stephen Byers debacle before being made Trade Secretary last year.
Commenting on his appointment as Chancellor, the CBI's Director-General, Richard Lambert, said: "Alistair Darling looks like the right choice. He had a good record at the Treasury as Chief Secretary.
"He took over Transport at a very difficult time and got an effective grip, and has shown during his time at DTI that he understands what makes a good economy. So he starts off with a number of points in his favour."
IN
JACQUI SMITH
New post: Home Secretary
Government Chief Whip Jacqui Smith is rumoured to have landed one of the top jobs as well as a place in history as the first ever female Home Secretary.
IN
DAVID MILIBAND
New post: Foreign Secretary
At the age of 41, Mr Miliband is the youngest Foreign Secretary since David Owen in 1977.
Since being elected as an MP for the first time in 2001 he has risen quickly through the Labour Party ranks.
He entered the Cabinet as Minister of Communities and Local Government in 2005 and was made Environment Secretary in May last year.
IN
ALAN JOHNSON
New post:Health Secretary
The Education Secretary is likely to take over the health portfolio from Patricia Hewitt.
The former postman, considered the most cheerful and unstuffy member of the Cabinet, has been a loyal Blairite throughout his relatively short political career.
He entered the Cabinet in 2004 as Work and Pensions Secretary and less than a year later was appointed Secretary of State for Productivity, Energy and Industry.
In May last year Mr Blair made him Education Secretary, replacing Ruth Kelly who was regarded as a failure in the job.
Mr Johnson was narrowly defeated by Harriet Harman in the Labour Party's deputy leadership election last week.
Representatives of NHS workers were pleased at Alan Johnson's predicted move from education to health, with public sector union Unison describing him as "someone we can do business with".
IN
HARRIET HARMAN
New post: Leader of the House
Harman, who won the deputy Labour leadership campaign by a narrow margin, has been appointed to the chairmanship of the Labour Party by Brown and is likely to be appointed Leader of the House in place of Jack Straw.
IN
JACK STRAW
New post: Justice Secretary
The House of Commons leader, who acted as Mr Brown's leadership campaign manager, should take over from Lord Falconer at the Ministry of Justice.
Mr Straw has already carried out several heavyweight roles in the Cabinet under Mr Blair.
He was Home Secretary from 1997 before succeeding Robin Cook as Foreign Secretary in 2001.
Mr Straw sparked widespread controversy last October when he said the wearing of full-face veils - or niqab - made community relations more difficult.
IN
DOUGLAS ALEXANDER
New post: International Development Secretary
Douglas Alexander, already given the job of general election co-ordinator, is rumoured to have been given the post of International Development Secretary, ousting deputy leadership candidate Hilary Benn.
Aid charities said they were "delighted" at the decision as it is an apparent indication that assistance for developing countries will be central to his agenda.
IN
ED BALLS New post: To be promoted
A staunch Brownite and Brown's right-hand man at the Treasury, Ed Balls is tipped for a promotion and may take on an education or a trade and industry brief.
****************************************************************************
Gordon Brown has stunned Westminster by appointing Jacqui Smith as the new Home Secretary.
Firmly putting his own stamp on his new job as Prime Minister, Mr Brown has also announced Alistair Darling as his chancellor while promoting David Miliband and Douglas Alexander.
Mr Brown has dropped senior ministers including Patricia Hewitt, who was asked to resign, and Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett. Alan Johnson is being lined up to move to Health, while David Miliband will be promoted to the Foreign Office.
Mr Miliband, at 41, would be the youngest to hold the post since David Owen in 1977 and would be seen as reward for resisting temptation to run against Mr Brown as a "Blairite" candidate for the Labour leadership.
Douglas Alexander, already given the job of general election co-ordinator, is rumoured to have been given the post of International Development Secretary, ousting deputy leadership candidate Hilary Benn.
A host of young Brownites such as Ed Balls, Yvette Cooper, Douglas Alexander and Andy Burnham are also predicted to benefit from the reshuffle.
First female Home Secretary: Jacqui Smith
But the bloodiest day for British forces in almost three months cast a shadow over Mr Brown's first full at No10.
Three British soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, after getting out of their armoured Warrior vehicle as they returned to their base at Basra airport after completing a "re-supply mission".
Although formal announcements were deferred until Friday, the scale of a sweeping reshuffle at Westminster is emerging.
The early signs are that Mr Brown has put education top of his list of priorities by splitting the Department of Education and Skills to create two Cabinet-level departments - one focusing on children and schools, the other on higher education.
Mr Miliband declined to confirm reports that he would be the new Foreign Secretary. "I think it's better to let events take the course, and we'll see what the Prime Minister decides and it's his decisions and we look forward to them," he told Sky News.
But, this morning Alistair Darling confirmed expectations that Mr Brown will appoint people from outside the Labour Party to important roles, although he gave no hints as to who may get a job.
Mr Darling told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "The Government itself needs to change. There will be substantial changes to the Government.
The Browns as they arrive at No 10 Downing Street as Mr Brown starts life as Prime Minister
"We will be looking beyond traditional party loyalties because I think, frankly, we can be very tribalistic in this country.
"I think you will see when the announcements are made later today that we will be reaching out beyond the narrow confines of our own party.
"To appoint people who are not necessarily members of the Labour Party and may not have had an association with us in the past, I think that's a good thing."
Commenting on the expected appointment of Alastair Darling as Chancellor, the CBI's Director-General, Richard Lambert, said: "Alistair Darling looks like the right choice. He had a good record at the Treasury as Chief Secretary.
"He took over Transport at a very difficult time and got an effective grip, and has shown during his time at DTI that he understands what makes a good economy. So he starts off with a number of points in his favour."
Commons leader Jack Straw, who was Mr Brown's leadership campaign manager, will virtually be able to name his own job, perhaps with as head of the new justice department or with an over-arching brief to work on Mr Brown's promised new "constitutional settlement" for Britain.
There were rumours of a job for LibDem peer Shirley Williams - a Labour Minister under James Callaghan before she left the party.
There was also growing anxiety in Tory ranks amid rumours of another high-profile defection to follow Quentin Davies on Tuesday. Speculation centred on Former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind.
The former Foreign Secretary later firmly denied the suggestion. But the idea that an MP of his standing would even consider joining Mr Brown underscored the profound sense of unease on Conservative benches following the defection of Quentin Davies on Tuesday.
A momentous day, ending the longest handover of power in British history, culminated in Mr Brown speaking without fanfare outside Number 10.
He had come straight from Buckingham Palace, where he spent almost an hour with the Queen after formally becoming Prime Minister.
With his wife Sarah beside him, he declared: "This will be a new Government with new priorities. At all times I will be strong in purpose, steadfast in will, resolute in action in the service of what matters to the British people, meeting the concerns and aspirations of our whole country."
He vowed to live up to his old school motto: 'I will try my utmost'.
Gordon's Girls: With wife Sarah and deputy Labour party leader Harriet Harman
This time there were no crowds of hand-picked Labour supporters to cheer, no staged family portraits on the doorstep of Number 10.
The scenes in Downing Street yesterday were a far cry from the staged jubilation which greeted his predecessor a decade ago.
They followed an unprecedented display of emotion in the Commons as MPs marked Mr Blair's final words as premier - 'That is that. The end.' - with a standing ovation.
David Cameron ordered his MPs to rise and join the adulation that left some Labour ministers in tears. Speaker Michael Martin allowed two minutes of applause that flouted centuries-old rules.
Mr Brown's passionate first address as Prime Minister, after waiting ten years for the top job, was an early marker that he intends to put distance between himself, Mr Cameron and the failures of the Blair era.
It hammered home his determination to present himself as different, despite taking over a Government in which he has been the second most powerful figure for a decade.
As he spoke, his predecessor was heading for his Sedgefield constituency to confirm that he is standing down as an MP with immediate effect. It was confirmed that he will be the new Middle East envoy of the 'Quartet' of the US, Russia, the EU and the United Nations.
Mr Brown's young sons - John and Fraser - were nowhere to be seen, another contrast to the Blair years.
Inside No 10 there was time for informality as he told staff to call him Gordon.
As they lined the corridors, Mr Brown said: "It's not every day you meet the Queen at 1.30pm, become the Prime Minister at 2pm, speak to the President of America at 3pm, and get told by Sarah to put the kids to bed at 7pm."
In a further symbolic break with Mr Blair, he revoked the 1997 Orders in Council that let senior Labour officials give orders to civil servants.
There had been emotional scenes as the Blairs said their goodbyes at No 10 before heading to Buckingham Palace for Mr Blair's resignation meeting with the Queen.
He and his wife Cherie, sons Euan, Nicky and Leo and daughter Kathryn lined up on the doorstep for a last photograph. Mrs Blair was said to be 'a total mess', but allowed herself a final swipe at the media.
As she climbed into the official car, she shouted to reporters: "Bye, I don't think we'll miss you".
The Blairs took with them a rose cutting from the garden - a present from the staff.
Mr Blair's last hours as Prime Minister were dominated by an extraordinary 37 minutes as his final Question Time overran amid tributes from all sides.
Mr Cameron said: "For all of the heated battles across this despatch box, for 13 years he has led his party, for ten years he has led our country, and no one can be in any doubt of the huge efforts he has made in terms of public service."
Mr Blair could not escape the shadow of Iraq. He began by paying tribute to three British soldiers killed in the past week, then surprised MPs by saying he was 'truly sorry' for having put our armed forces in danger.
Mr Blair has pledged to broker a Northern Ireland-style peace deal between rival Palestinian factions and Israel in his new job as Middle East envoy.
Finally, gathering up his papers, he said: "I wish everyone, friend or foe, well, and that is that. The end."
Protest: a group of demonstrators take the anti-war message to Tony Blair's new home in Connaught Square as Gordon Brown moves in to No10
BOOBY TRAPS IN HIS IN-TRAY
As Mr Brown moves into No 10, Edward Heathcoat Amory examines his in-tray and his list of priorities.
HEALTH
Targets and bureaucracy are the problem. The health budget has doubled in real terms, but between 1999 and 2005, the number of nurses rose 22 per cent, the number of doctors by 28 per cent and the number of senior managers by 64 per cent.
Many new hospitals have been built using the Private Finance Initiative, but there isn't enough money to staff them properly. Other staff are overpaid; the GPs' new contract pays them more than £100,000 a year, but they don't have to treat patients out of hours.
Priority: Immediate. But Mr Brown doesn't believe that the private sector can help, and has run out of our money to pump into the system. New ideas needed.
-----------------------------------------------EDUCATION
Too many exams - some students now sit 105 competitive examinations before leaving school - but the standard of our A-levels has fallen by a grade in ten years.
Too much bureaucracy; the number of penpushers and support staff have increased twice as fast as the number of teachers. Too much of our money doesn't reach the schools; 25 per cent of the education budget is swallowed by central and local government. One in six children is leaving schools unable to read, write or add up.
Priority: Top of the list. But what's his plan?
----------------------------------------------------CONSTITUTION
There is a political and financial imbalance between Scotland and England that must be put right, but as an MP for a Scottish constituency, Mr Brown is going to find this difficult.
Reform of the Lords has stalled and it is currently a House of Cronies. The Human Rights Act has undermined Parliament and is politicising the judiciary. The Executive is too powerful and the House of Commons has become a poodle. Local government needs much more freedom.
Priority: Would rather talk about Britishness than really tackle the Scottish issue. Will try to boost Parliament, but won't touch human rights. Won't consider local government finance until after the election.
------------------------------------EUROPE
Mr Brown wants to ratify the new constitution - handing another huge chunk of power to Brussels - without a referendum. This won't be popular, and once the document is published, it'll be increasingly clear that it is the original constitution in all but name. A series of EU summits this year will keep it on the agenda.
Priority: Mr Brown would prefer to ignore both Brussels and the constitution, but that won't be possible. Hoping that it doesn't become a big public issue, but could concede a referendum if it threatens to overshadow the general election.
------------------------------------IRAQ
The Americans were supposed to have made a big push in Iraq, to pave the way for withdrawal. The push happened, but the security situation has worsened. Pressure is building to withdraw our troops.
Afghanistan is not much better; our new ambassador says we'll be there for 30 years.
Priority: Desperate to pull out of Iraq, but doesn't want to leave a bloodbath behind him or fall out with George Bush. Could have to wait for new US President in January 2009.
---------------------------------------------WELFARE
Tax credits have been Mr Brown's biggest failure. Millions more people have been dragged into the benefits trap as these handouts are available for those with incomes up to £60,000 a year. In the first three years, £6billion has been paid out wrongly.
Other benefits are unreformed; there are 2.5million people on incapacity benefit, of whom over a million are malingering. Welfare also undermines families; an unemployed couple with children would, if they broke up, see their combined incomes rise by more than a third.
Priority: Refuses to accept tax credits are a problem, and has ruled out changing welfare rules to support the family. An Achilles heel.
-----------------------------------------PUBLIC LIFE
Sleaze and spin have dominated the Blair years. The investigation into cash for honours continues.
Cronies have been appointed to run key regulators like Ofcom and Ofsted.
Alastair Campbell's spin machine at the heart of the Government has damaged the relationship with the press and politicised the Civil Service.
Priority: This is central to Mr Brown's 'change agenda'. But he needs donor money to fight an election, and will find it hard to renounce spin. Wait and see.
---------------------------------------------------------CRIME
The police are swamped by red tape; at any time only one in 58 police officers is actually on the beat.
No surprise that recorded violent crime has risen for seven years in a row and gun crime alone has doubled since 1997.
But the prisons are full and 25,000 criminals are being released early to prevent catastrophic overcrowding. And there are new threats; M15 is currently tracking 200 terror plots involving 1,600 young British Muslims.
Priority: Mr Brown bears some responsibilty for the prison place shortage, as he wouldn't release the money to build new jails. Unlikely to change his mind now.
---------------------------------------------HOUSING
The rising property market in the South-East means that young people can no longer get onto the property ladder, so providing more affordable housing is crucial.
But there are already plans for two million new homes in Britain over the next five years, and concreting over the Green Belt wouldn't be popular. And this week has shown the dangers of building on flood plains.
Priority: A 'top priority', apparently. But a bulldozer approach might frighten Middle England.
dailymail.co.uk
28th June 2007
Daily Mail
Chancellor of the Exchequer: Alistair Darling
HOW SOME OF GORDON BROWN'S NEW CABINET LOOKS
IN
ALISTAIR DARLING
New post:Chancellor
The former Trade Secretary, a close ally of Mr Brown, has been well-rewarded for his loyalty by being handed 'the big job' at the Treasury.
Although sometimes accused of being boring, he is regarded as a "safe pair of hands".
Mr Darling was appointed Transport Secretary in 2002 in the wake of the Stephen Byers debacle before being made Trade Secretary last year.
Commenting on his appointment as Chancellor, the CBI's Director-General, Richard Lambert, said: "Alistair Darling looks like the right choice. He had a good record at the Treasury as Chief Secretary.
"He took over Transport at a very difficult time and got an effective grip, and has shown during his time at DTI that he understands what makes a good economy. So he starts off with a number of points in his favour."
IN
JACQUI SMITH
New post: Home Secretary
Government Chief Whip Jacqui Smith is rumoured to have landed one of the top jobs as well as a place in history as the first ever female Home Secretary.
IN
DAVID MILIBAND
New post: Foreign Secretary
At the age of 41, Mr Miliband is the youngest Foreign Secretary since David Owen in 1977.
Since being elected as an MP for the first time in 2001 he has risen quickly through the Labour Party ranks.
He entered the Cabinet as Minister of Communities and Local Government in 2005 and was made Environment Secretary in May last year.
IN
ALAN JOHNSON
New post:Health Secretary
The Education Secretary is likely to take over the health portfolio from Patricia Hewitt.
The former postman, considered the most cheerful and unstuffy member of the Cabinet, has been a loyal Blairite throughout his relatively short political career.
He entered the Cabinet in 2004 as Work and Pensions Secretary and less than a year later was appointed Secretary of State for Productivity, Energy and Industry.
In May last year Mr Blair made him Education Secretary, replacing Ruth Kelly who was regarded as a failure in the job.
Mr Johnson was narrowly defeated by Harriet Harman in the Labour Party's deputy leadership election last week.
Representatives of NHS workers were pleased at Alan Johnson's predicted move from education to health, with public sector union Unison describing him as "someone we can do business with".
IN
HARRIET HARMAN
New post: Leader of the House
Harman, who won the deputy Labour leadership campaign by a narrow margin, has been appointed to the chairmanship of the Labour Party by Brown and is likely to be appointed Leader of the House in place of Jack Straw.
IN
JACK STRAW
New post: Justice Secretary
The House of Commons leader, who acted as Mr Brown's leadership campaign manager, should take over from Lord Falconer at the Ministry of Justice.
Mr Straw has already carried out several heavyweight roles in the Cabinet under Mr Blair.
He was Home Secretary from 1997 before succeeding Robin Cook as Foreign Secretary in 2001.
Mr Straw sparked widespread controversy last October when he said the wearing of full-face veils - or niqab - made community relations more difficult.
IN
DOUGLAS ALEXANDER
New post: International Development Secretary
Douglas Alexander, already given the job of general election co-ordinator, is rumoured to have been given the post of International Development Secretary, ousting deputy leadership candidate Hilary Benn.
Aid charities said they were "delighted" at the decision as it is an apparent indication that assistance for developing countries will be central to his agenda.
IN
ED BALLS New post: To be promoted
A staunch Brownite and Brown's right-hand man at the Treasury, Ed Balls is tipped for a promotion and may take on an education or a trade and industry brief.
****************************************************************************
Gordon Brown has stunned Westminster by appointing Jacqui Smith as the new Home Secretary.
Firmly putting his own stamp on his new job as Prime Minister, Mr Brown has also announced Alistair Darling as his chancellor while promoting David Miliband and Douglas Alexander.
Mr Brown has dropped senior ministers including Patricia Hewitt, who was asked to resign, and Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett. Alan Johnson is being lined up to move to Health, while David Miliband will be promoted to the Foreign Office.
Mr Miliband, at 41, would be the youngest to hold the post since David Owen in 1977 and would be seen as reward for resisting temptation to run against Mr Brown as a "Blairite" candidate for the Labour leadership.
Douglas Alexander, already given the job of general election co-ordinator, is rumoured to have been given the post of International Development Secretary, ousting deputy leadership candidate Hilary Benn.
A host of young Brownites such as Ed Balls, Yvette Cooper, Douglas Alexander and Andy Burnham are also predicted to benefit from the reshuffle.
First female Home Secretary: Jacqui Smith
But the bloodiest day for British forces in almost three months cast a shadow over Mr Brown's first full at No10.
Three British soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, after getting out of their armoured Warrior vehicle as they returned to their base at Basra airport after completing a "re-supply mission".
Although formal announcements were deferred until Friday, the scale of a sweeping reshuffle at Westminster is emerging.
The early signs are that Mr Brown has put education top of his list of priorities by splitting the Department of Education and Skills to create two Cabinet-level departments - one focusing on children and schools, the other on higher education.
Mr Miliband declined to confirm reports that he would be the new Foreign Secretary. "I think it's better to let events take the course, and we'll see what the Prime Minister decides and it's his decisions and we look forward to them," he told Sky News.
But, this morning Alistair Darling confirmed expectations that Mr Brown will appoint people from outside the Labour Party to important roles, although he gave no hints as to who may get a job.
Mr Darling told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "The Government itself needs to change. There will be substantial changes to the Government.
The Browns as they arrive at No 10 Downing Street as Mr Brown starts life as Prime Minister
"We will be looking beyond traditional party loyalties because I think, frankly, we can be very tribalistic in this country.
"I think you will see when the announcements are made later today that we will be reaching out beyond the narrow confines of our own party.
"To appoint people who are not necessarily members of the Labour Party and may not have had an association with us in the past, I think that's a good thing."
Commenting on the expected appointment of Alastair Darling as Chancellor, the CBI's Director-General, Richard Lambert, said: "Alistair Darling looks like the right choice. He had a good record at the Treasury as Chief Secretary.
"He took over Transport at a very difficult time and got an effective grip, and has shown during his time at DTI that he understands what makes a good economy. So he starts off with a number of points in his favour."
Commons leader Jack Straw, who was Mr Brown's leadership campaign manager, will virtually be able to name his own job, perhaps with as head of the new justice department or with an over-arching brief to work on Mr Brown's promised new "constitutional settlement" for Britain.
There were rumours of a job for LibDem peer Shirley Williams - a Labour Minister under James Callaghan before she left the party.
There was also growing anxiety in Tory ranks amid rumours of another high-profile defection to follow Quentin Davies on Tuesday. Speculation centred on Former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind.
The former Foreign Secretary later firmly denied the suggestion. But the idea that an MP of his standing would even consider joining Mr Brown underscored the profound sense of unease on Conservative benches following the defection of Quentin Davies on Tuesday.
A momentous day, ending the longest handover of power in British history, culminated in Mr Brown speaking without fanfare outside Number 10.
He had come straight from Buckingham Palace, where he spent almost an hour with the Queen after formally becoming Prime Minister.
With his wife Sarah beside him, he declared: "This will be a new Government with new priorities. At all times I will be strong in purpose, steadfast in will, resolute in action in the service of what matters to the British people, meeting the concerns and aspirations of our whole country."
He vowed to live up to his old school motto: 'I will try my utmost'.
Gordon's Girls: With wife Sarah and deputy Labour party leader Harriet Harman
This time there were no crowds of hand-picked Labour supporters to cheer, no staged family portraits on the doorstep of Number 10.
The scenes in Downing Street yesterday were a far cry from the staged jubilation which greeted his predecessor a decade ago.
They followed an unprecedented display of emotion in the Commons as MPs marked Mr Blair's final words as premier - 'That is that. The end.' - with a standing ovation.
David Cameron ordered his MPs to rise and join the adulation that left some Labour ministers in tears. Speaker Michael Martin allowed two minutes of applause that flouted centuries-old rules.
Mr Brown's passionate first address as Prime Minister, after waiting ten years for the top job, was an early marker that he intends to put distance between himself, Mr Cameron and the failures of the Blair era.
It hammered home his determination to present himself as different, despite taking over a Government in which he has been the second most powerful figure for a decade.
As he spoke, his predecessor was heading for his Sedgefield constituency to confirm that he is standing down as an MP with immediate effect. It was confirmed that he will be the new Middle East envoy of the 'Quartet' of the US, Russia, the EU and the United Nations.
Mr Brown's young sons - John and Fraser - were nowhere to be seen, another contrast to the Blair years.
Inside No 10 there was time for informality as he told staff to call him Gordon.
As they lined the corridors, Mr Brown said: "It's not every day you meet the Queen at 1.30pm, become the Prime Minister at 2pm, speak to the President of America at 3pm, and get told by Sarah to put the kids to bed at 7pm."
In a further symbolic break with Mr Blair, he revoked the 1997 Orders in Council that let senior Labour officials give orders to civil servants.
There had been emotional scenes as the Blairs said their goodbyes at No 10 before heading to Buckingham Palace for Mr Blair's resignation meeting with the Queen.
He and his wife Cherie, sons Euan, Nicky and Leo and daughter Kathryn lined up on the doorstep for a last photograph. Mrs Blair was said to be 'a total mess', but allowed herself a final swipe at the media.
As she climbed into the official car, she shouted to reporters: "Bye, I don't think we'll miss you".
The Blairs took with them a rose cutting from the garden - a present from the staff.
Mr Blair's last hours as Prime Minister were dominated by an extraordinary 37 minutes as his final Question Time overran amid tributes from all sides.
Mr Cameron said: "For all of the heated battles across this despatch box, for 13 years he has led his party, for ten years he has led our country, and no one can be in any doubt of the huge efforts he has made in terms of public service."
Mr Blair could not escape the shadow of Iraq. He began by paying tribute to three British soldiers killed in the past week, then surprised MPs by saying he was 'truly sorry' for having put our armed forces in danger.
Mr Blair has pledged to broker a Northern Ireland-style peace deal between rival Palestinian factions and Israel in his new job as Middle East envoy.
Finally, gathering up his papers, he said: "I wish everyone, friend or foe, well, and that is that. The end."
Protest: a group of demonstrators take the anti-war message to Tony Blair's new home in Connaught Square as Gordon Brown moves in to No10
BOOBY TRAPS IN HIS IN-TRAY
As Mr Brown moves into No 10, Edward Heathcoat Amory examines his in-tray and his list of priorities.
HEALTH
Targets and bureaucracy are the problem. The health budget has doubled in real terms, but between 1999 and 2005, the number of nurses rose 22 per cent, the number of doctors by 28 per cent and the number of senior managers by 64 per cent.
Many new hospitals have been built using the Private Finance Initiative, but there isn't enough money to staff them properly. Other staff are overpaid; the GPs' new contract pays them more than £100,000 a year, but they don't have to treat patients out of hours.
Priority: Immediate. But Mr Brown doesn't believe that the private sector can help, and has run out of our money to pump into the system. New ideas needed.
-----------------------------------------------EDUCATION
Too many exams - some students now sit 105 competitive examinations before leaving school - but the standard of our A-levels has fallen by a grade in ten years.
Too much bureaucracy; the number of penpushers and support staff have increased twice as fast as the number of teachers. Too much of our money doesn't reach the schools; 25 per cent of the education budget is swallowed by central and local government. One in six children is leaving schools unable to read, write or add up.
Priority: Top of the list. But what's his plan?
----------------------------------------------------CONSTITUTION
There is a political and financial imbalance between Scotland and England that must be put right, but as an MP for a Scottish constituency, Mr Brown is going to find this difficult.
Reform of the Lords has stalled and it is currently a House of Cronies. The Human Rights Act has undermined Parliament and is politicising the judiciary. The Executive is too powerful and the House of Commons has become a poodle. Local government needs much more freedom.
Priority: Would rather talk about Britishness than really tackle the Scottish issue. Will try to boost Parliament, but won't touch human rights. Won't consider local government finance until after the election.
------------------------------------EUROPE
Mr Brown wants to ratify the new constitution - handing another huge chunk of power to Brussels - without a referendum. This won't be popular, and once the document is published, it'll be increasingly clear that it is the original constitution in all but name. A series of EU summits this year will keep it on the agenda.
Priority: Mr Brown would prefer to ignore both Brussels and the constitution, but that won't be possible. Hoping that it doesn't become a big public issue, but could concede a referendum if it threatens to overshadow the general election.
------------------------------------IRAQ
The Americans were supposed to have made a big push in Iraq, to pave the way for withdrawal. The push happened, but the security situation has worsened. Pressure is building to withdraw our troops.
Afghanistan is not much better; our new ambassador says we'll be there for 30 years.
Priority: Desperate to pull out of Iraq, but doesn't want to leave a bloodbath behind him or fall out with George Bush. Could have to wait for new US President in January 2009.
---------------------------------------------WELFARE
Tax credits have been Mr Brown's biggest failure. Millions more people have been dragged into the benefits trap as these handouts are available for those with incomes up to £60,000 a year. In the first three years, £6billion has been paid out wrongly.
Other benefits are unreformed; there are 2.5million people on incapacity benefit, of whom over a million are malingering. Welfare also undermines families; an unemployed couple with children would, if they broke up, see their combined incomes rise by more than a third.
Priority: Refuses to accept tax credits are a problem, and has ruled out changing welfare rules to support the family. An Achilles heel.
-----------------------------------------PUBLIC LIFE
Sleaze and spin have dominated the Blair years. The investigation into cash for honours continues.
Cronies have been appointed to run key regulators like Ofcom and Ofsted.
Alastair Campbell's spin machine at the heart of the Government has damaged the relationship with the press and politicised the Civil Service.
Priority: This is central to Mr Brown's 'change agenda'. But he needs donor money to fight an election, and will find it hard to renounce spin. Wait and see.
---------------------------------------------------------CRIME
The police are swamped by red tape; at any time only one in 58 police officers is actually on the beat.
No surprise that recorded violent crime has risen for seven years in a row and gun crime alone has doubled since 1997.
But the prisons are full and 25,000 criminals are being released early to prevent catastrophic overcrowding. And there are new threats; M15 is currently tracking 200 terror plots involving 1,600 young British Muslims.
Priority: Mr Brown bears some responsibilty for the prison place shortage, as he wouldn't release the money to build new jails. Unlikely to change his mind now.
---------------------------------------------HOUSING
The rising property market in the South-East means that young people can no longer get onto the property ladder, so providing more affordable housing is crucial.
But there are already plans for two million new homes in Britain over the next five years, and concreting over the Green Belt wouldn't be popular. And this week has shown the dangers of building on flood plains.
Priority: A 'top priority', apparently. But a bulldozer approach might frighten Middle England.
dailymail.co.uk