Monitor

All the News of the World The Sunday papers evaluate the Prime Minister's Government reshuffle

NO PRIME Minister has ever been so ubiquitous, or betrayed such lack of confidence in the abilities of his cabinet colleagues to make their case for themselves. This lack of confidence remains the central problem faced by this Government, in the sense that it reveals the continued dependency of New Labour, five years after Mr Blair's election as leader, upon the talents and appeal of one man. One reason why Mr Blair made no changes to his Cabinet last week is that he doesn't think it would make much difference; he could not, after all, reshuffle himself. (Matthew d'Ancona)

The Sunday Telegraph

MANY JOURNALISTS predicted a major cull because they thought that Blair only had one major reshuffle left after this one, at which time he would not want to make sweeping changes or promote inexperienced ministers. A 2002 election, however, would allow Blair two more full-scale reshuffles. Next summer's would see major changes in the Cabinet, while the 2001 shake- up would put the final election team in place with nine months until polling day. (Sebastian Hamilton)

Sunday Business

THE GOVERNMENT seemed to be toying with the papers as James Callaghan did over the election in autumn 1978. The papers never really forgave Lord Callaghan. My guess is that they will prove more indulgent towards Mr Blair and, roundabout October, tell us what a truly presidential Prime Minister he is. (Alan Watkins)

The Independent on Sunday

MR BLAIR would be better placed if he had a pool of talented MPs to bring on who know their way around a balance sheet and how to get the best out of co-operating with business. Lord Macdonald's appointment shows he does not. Out of 417 Labour MPs, the Prime Minister cannot find one to be transport minister. He must ensure he is not as badly placed in a second term. He must urge constituency parties to clear out their no- hopers in the Commons and reinforce "new Labour" with new blood.

The Sunday Times