Thatcher Cabinet reshuffle ‘shambles’

Press, 28 July 1989, Page 8

Thatcher Cabinet reshuffle ‘shambles’

NZPA-Reuter London The British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, tried to limit the political fallout from a Cabinet reshuffle that the Opposition has described as a shambles.

British newspapers said in virtually identical reports that Mrs Thatcher offered the Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe, a new post as Home Secretary unbeknown to the man still in the job, Douglas Hurd, who eventually kept it.

After several hours’ discussion with family and friends, Sir Geoffrey Howe turned down the Home Office and reluctantly opted for Mrs Thatcher’s other offer, leadership of the House of Commons.

But he insisted on being given the courtesy title of Deputy Prime Minister and the chairmanship of several key committees.

Officials, normally quick to knock down inaccurate or unfavourable leaks, refused to confirm or deny the newspaper reports. Political analysts said the reshuffle may have strained ties between Mrs Thatcher and all of her top three officials, Sir Geoffrey, Mr Hurd and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nigel Lawson. The Labour Party leader, Neil Kinnock, described the reshuffle, Britain’s biggest Cabinet shake-up since 1962, as a shambles, and Opposition members said Mr Hurd’s position had been undermined. There had been differences between Mrs Thatcher and Sir Geoffrey over some issues like full membership of the European Monetary System, which the Prime Minister has always said Britain is not ready to join.

By leaving the Foreign Office, Sir Geoffrey — who has no London home of his own — lost his official residence in the capital and the country mansion that goes with the post. As recompense, Mrs Thatcher offered him another country mansion, which she allocated only last year to Mr Lawson. The officials said Mr Lawson had agreed to vacate this house, Domeywood, but only after holidaying there with his family. In a surprise move, Sir Geoffrey was succeeded by the Treasury Secretary, John Major, aged 46, who has no ForeignAffairs experience.

The officials said that Mrs Thatcher had sent a message of strong support to Mr Hurd expressing the utmost confidence in his skilful handling of one of the most difficult jobs in government.