Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Brown to Purge Cabinet After Expenses Flap

Scandal-hit ministers face axe as PM plans government overhaul

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted May 21, 2009 7:16 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Gordon Brown has been dropping hints of a major reshuffle and possible constitutional reform as the crisis over British MPs' expenses continues. The Telegraph alleged today that two ministers fiddled with the rules to avoid paying capital gains tax after selling their homes. The PM is said to be preparing an overhaul of his cabinet, and modernizers in the government are pushing him to hold a constitutional convention.

Speculation is rife that Peter Mandelson, the prime minister's archrival-turned-confidant, may be promoted to foreign secretary, while ministers who made questionable expense claims will be booted. Mandelson and other leaders want Brown to introduce big changes, including caps on party donations and an end to the House of Lords. The PM is expected to reshuffle his cabinet soon after June 4 local elections, at which Labour is expected to receive a drubbing.

Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Business Secretary Peter Mandelson talk with a potential car buyer at a car dealership in north London, Monday May 18, 2009.
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Business Secretary Peter Mandelson talk with a potential car buyer at a car dealership in north London, Monday May 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
At his monthly press conference on Tuesday, the PM faced questions about the resignation of the speaker of the House of Commons, a casualty of a scandal into the abuse of MP's expenses claims.
At his monthly press conference on Tuesday, the PM faced questions about the resignation of the speaker of the House of Commons, a casualty of a scandal into the abuse of MP's expenses claims.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth. Pool)
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown arrives for the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) annual dinner at a hotel in London, Wednesday May 20, 2009.
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown arrives for the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) annual dinner at a hotel in London, Wednesday May 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
British PM Gordon Brown leaves 10 Downing Street in London for his weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions, Wednesday, May 20, 2009.
British PM Gordon Brown leaves 10 Downing Street in London for his weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions, Wednesday, May 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Mandelson headed for the Foreign Office, sources say
Financial Times (UK)

Don't trust the government to correct its own mistakes
Daily Mail (UK)

 
United Kingdom • Gordon Brown • Labour • constitution • inappropriate expenses • Peter Mandelson • expenses

More Newser Stories

David Cameron Will Succeed Gordon Brown

Cameron, Clegg Scramble to Form UK Government

Cameron Says He'll Form UK Government

Gordon Brown Staffers Contacted Bullying Hotline

Muslim Cops Slam Brit Anti-Terror Strategy
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne