I am sorry not to have the opportunity to see Lords reform through. I shall now have to earn my living in another way,' a wounded Lord Richard said. Instead of being a reported candidate for the sack, she acquires extra responsibilities. And Mr Blair is said to be dismayed by 'inaccurate' media speculation. Mr Blair made his dispositions at Chequers on Sunday along with his most trusted and objective intimates -Jonathan Powell, chief of staff, Sir Richard Wilson, Cabinet Secretary, Sally Morgan, his political secretary, and Anji Hunter, his Downing Street planner and oldest political friend.
None is elected.
Last night Mr Blair was calling in ministers, safely out of the glare of the TV lights, to sack or promote. Estelle Morris, junior education and teacher, will be promoted to Mr Byers' post of schools standards minister. John Denham, former Trotskyist, now arch-moderniser, will move into Mr Field's job. Helen Liddell, Economic Secretary, will move into Donald Dewar's slipstream at the Scottish Office, likely to succeed him when he goes to the Scottish Parliament next year. Good news is expected for Home Office ministers Joyce Quin and Lord Williams of Mostyn.