I know the reshuffle has divided opinion but I think it’s been broadly positive. Cooper’s one of Labour’s only genuine big hitters and carries more gravitas than anyone in the government. Lammy as foreign sec a great fit. Nandy in the role she should have had from the start.
Of course Cooper is further to the right on immigration than many of us would like, but that’s where Labour is right now and Patel won’t stand a chance against her. But bizarre to relegate Thornberry and sideline Miliband. Labour needs all the star performers it can get.
Interesting too to look at some of the promotions lower down. Bridget Phillipson has been quietly devastating when attacking gov’s cruelty to children and should flourish at education. Streeting should be effective at health, but that job ought to have Allin-Khan’s name on it.
Timing aside, this was a good reshuffle which should make Labour’s position stronger and more media-friendly. Yes, there should be more people from the left - but that’s not coming any time soon. The focus now has to be delivering bold policies and actually attracting voters.
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