Early Cabinet Shake-Up Amid More Resignations

Huge speculation still looms over Gordon Brown's eventual cabinet, which has already been subjected to a sporadic reshuffle and a number of high-profile resignations.

It was believed many of the top government jobs would have be re-allocated by now, but this afternoon's news that Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon will stand down may draw out the process. He is set to be replaced by Lord Adonis.

Reports have also emerged that Housing Minister Margaret Beckett has left office. Accordng to the BBC, she has not been offered another role in the cabinet.

Tony McNulty, the Employment Minister, has also resigned from government, as has Europe Minister Caroline Flint - blaming the disastrous council elections for her decision.

Ms Flint will be replaced by incumbent MEP Glenys Kinnock, the wife of former Labour leader Lord Kinnock. She will move to the House of Lords by virtue of a life peerage.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson, hotly tipped as a leadership challenger, has been promoted to Home Secretary.

Mr Johnston today reaffirmed his support for the Prime Minister, stating Mr Brown is the "best man for the job". His former post will be filled by Andy Burnham.

Ben Bradshaw will join the cabinet as Culture Secretary, following Mr Burnham's move.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Chancellor Alistair Darling who were mooted to either stand down, or be sacked from the cabinet, are reportedly staying put.

Lord Mandelson is to remain as Business Secretary, with Sir Alan Sugar being offered an 'enterprise tsar' role in Mr Brown's administration.

Sir Alan will be given a peerage, allowing him to sit in the House of Lords.

John Denham, the Universities Secretary, will fill the vacant Communities and Local Government post, left void by Hazel Blears.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls, touted as a possible successor for Chancellor Mr Darling, will continue in his current cabinet capacity.

Treasury Minister Yvette Cooper will move to Work and Pensions in the reshuffle, and despite speculation that NI Secretary Shaun Woodward would be promoted to Defence Secretary, the job has went to Bob Ainsworth.

Current head of defence John Hutton has already said he will step down at the department.

Scotland Secretary Jim Murphy is to remain in office, according to the BBC, and Peter Hain will return as Welsh Secretary.

The cabinet shake-up comes after the shock resignation of James Purnell last night.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mr Purnell's move followed similar announcements by Communities Secretary Ms Blears, Children's Minister Beverley Hughes and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, earlier this week.

(PR/JM)