Cabinet reshuffle speculation
It seems like only yesterday we had our last Cabinet reshuffle. Yet today’s Age has speculation of another come mid-year. According to the Age, Amanda Vanstone will be replaced by Gary Hardgrave. Parliamentary secretaries Andrew Robb and Malcolm Turnbull are likely to be promoted. Kemp, is another on the way out.
This is not the first time the Age has claimed well-placed sources for a Vanstone departure in July. It did so in late March. Interestingly, last time we were tantalised with the prospect of a diplomatic posting for Vanstone, presumably China for the Sinophone. There was no such speculation this time.
The other rumour – that of the PM’s departure – had its source in this story by the right of centre columnist Piers Ackerman. Ackerman suggested the PM might retire gracefully at the year’s end setting the stage for Costello’s elevation. Normally I dismiss rumours of the PM’s imminent retirement. We have had such rumours on-and-off for the last five years. But with Ackerman as the source, given his close contacts with the PM, it could just be true.
My fellow blogger, the Poll Bludger, examined the early election aspect of Ackerman’s story – in March or April 2007 – and dismissed it. I agree with the Bludger: an election before August 2007 is unlikely.