Embattled PM set for cabinet reshuffle

A WIDESCALE government reshuffle looks to be on the cards in Britain after tomorrow’s local elections possibly involving three of embattled Prime Minister Tony Blair’s key ministers.

Charles Clarke, Home Secretary: Opposition parties claim his position is “untenable” and he should resign after 1,023 convicted foreign criminals who should have been deported or considered for removal were instead released without action.

The affair threatens the government’s credibility as the ex-prisoners include murderers, rapists and paedophiles.

John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister: He has been caught up in a sex scandal after admitting a two-year extra-marital affair with his secretary, lurid details of which have been splashed across the newspapers for days.

Although critics claim Mr Prescott’s credibility has been irrevocably tarnished over the embarrassing revelations, Mr Blair insists it is a “private matter” and continues to back him.

Patricia Hewitt, Health Secretary: Her claim that the free-care-for-all NHS had enjoyed “its best year ever” was seized upon by unions and health workers facing redundancies and cuts to frontline hospital services.

The minister, whose department has admitted their underestimation of the cost of doctors’ contracts has led to hospitals being in the red despite record investment, was jeered during a recent speech to nurses.

Her gaffe is embarrassing for Mr Blair, who has consistently made NHS reform one of his priorities.