Radical cabinet reshuffle expected from Blair

The Re-elected British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, seems set to reshuffle his Cabinet in the wake of his second landslide …

The Re-elected British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, seems set to reshuffle his Cabinet in the wake of his second landslide election triumph.

Mr David Blunkett, Mr Jack Straw and Mr John Prescott are among those expected to feature in what could be radical changes.

After returning to London at dawn, Mr Blair is expected to have an audience with the Queen to outline his plans for a Government shake-up.

Whole departments could see their structures change, with plans for a ministry of rural affairs and a shake-up at the trade and environment departments already confirmed.

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Mr Blair's official spokesman Mr Alastair Campbell has also confirmed that his role would alter in Labour's second term.

It is predicted that Mr Blunkett will move to the Home Office with Mr Straw swapping to the streamlined Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Mr Prescott has been tipped to move to the Cabinet Office, replacing Ms Mo Mowlam, who has quit politics, but retaining his Deputy Prime Minister's title.

Education minister Ms Estelle Morris, who has retained her seat, has been spoken of as a possible successor to Mr Blunkett.

Mr Blair will also have to choose a new Leader of the House of Lords, because Baroness Jay announced earlier this year she wanted to leave government.

Former Dome minister Lord Falconer has been linked with Lady Jay's role.