Blair refuses to rule out autumn reshuffle

Speculation on an autumn reshuffle was mounting last night after the Prime Minister refused to rule out such a move. Mr Blair said during an interview on the BBC's Breakfast with Frost programme that he would make the decision "at the appropriate time". But then, in an apparent hint that a reshuffle might be imminent, he added that ministers were aware of the situation.

"I am sure they know what the score is, which is that Prime Ministers have to do reshuffles from time to time, but these are decisions you have to take on the basis of what you believe to be the right thing," he said.