Reshuffle In U.K.

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32119, 15 October 1969, Page 19

Reshuffle In U.K.

(N.Z.P.A.-Beutcr— Copyright)

LONDON, October 13. The Prime Minister (Mr Harold Wilson) last night announced sweeping changes among his junior ministers in a second move in a week aimed at streamlining his administration before the General Election expected next year.

Out goes Mr William Whitlock, whose handling of the Anguillan rebellion earlier this year as a deputy to the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, Mr Michael Stewart, was much criticised inside and outside Parliament. Last March Mr Whitlock was forced to leave the Caribbean island virtually at gun point.

Altogether, Mr Wilson announced 31 new appointments tonight, mostly promoting rank-and-file members whom he has previously dubbed as the “men and women of tomorrow.” The latest reshuffle comes after the previous Sunday’s changes among senior ministers. Mr Wilson has dismissed 13 members among the middle and junior ministrial ranks, many of them older party stalwarts, while bringing in newcomers whose average age is 38. This reduces the average age of the Government to 49 years and eight months, compared with the 52 years of a week ago.