Shuffle the Deck!

A well managed and implemented Labour reshuffle by Ed Miliband which has been handled well by his team.

A reshuffle was expected after Ed Miliband won the 're-founding Labour' vote at conference which gave him the ability to select his own Cabinet this was an expected development.

This is a good reshuffle because it promotes young talent whilst ensuring the key 'Secretary of State' positions are occupied by experienced and former ministers who will be able to challenge the government, command media attention (important in opposition) and develop policies in preperation for the next Labour government - if polls are to be predicted.

The resignations were well managed with 24 hours notice and the Tories will worry that new and highly capable centrists have been put against the 'same tired' faces.

In come

Rachel Reeves (Chief Secretary to the Treasury) - highly numerate, intellectually able and sharp. Good counterpoint to Danny Alexander who is mostly spin (lacks intellect)

Chuka Umunna (Business Secretary) - younger and more charismatic than Vince Cable who could also be outflanked in the centre by this rising star.

Michael Dugher (Minister without Portfolio) - An enforcer with a record of attack. He will keep back-benchers in line and ensure Ed listens to key stakeholders

Stephen Twigg (Education) - A successful School's Minister. Very well respected by Teaching Unions. ex NUS so can command media attention. Believer in Acadamies.

Tom Watson (Deputy Chair) - Popular with membership and good IT skills. Well regarded by public for challenging Murdoch. Seen as honest broker

Margaret Curran (Scotland) - Experienced Scottish hand with good network in Scottish Labour. Punchy so could counterweight to male-dominated Politics in Scotland

Liz Kendall (Care and Older People) - Passionate about this issue. Rising star and highly capable

Vernon Coaker (Northern Ireland) - Intellectually astute with ability to manage complex situations and deliver. Former teacher so patient and tenacious.

Emily Thornberry (Attorney General) - lawyer and barrister. Highly capable and an arch-networker with a good team behind her. One to watch...

Stewart Wood (Cabinet Office) - 'Brains', arch-strategist and blue-sky thinker. Able to eat ideas and is a seasoned policy veteren.

Moved sideways are Angela Eagle (Chief Sec to Leader of House), Ivan Lewis (Culture to International Development), Harriet Harman (Deputy Leader and Shadow Culture), Andy Burnham (Education to Health), Hilary Benn (Leader of House to Communities and Local Government), and Caroline Flint (Communities and Local Government to Energy and Climate Change).

Well done Ed