BRITISH CABINET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 May 1936, Page 5

BRITISH CABINET

TALK OF RECONSTRUCTION MR BALDWIN’S LEADERSHIP CHANGE WOULD BE “PROFOUND MISFORTUNE” (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 26th May, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, 25th May. Cabinet changes were widely discussed during the week-end. What the “News-Chronicle” describes as the anti-Baldwin “shadow cabinet,” met on Sunday at Earl Winterton’s home, Shillinglee Park. Those present were Sir Austen Chamberlain, Sir Robert Horne, Sir Plenry Page Croft, and Sir Edward Grigg. The “News-Chronicle” surmises that Cabinet reconstruction was discussed, but Earl Winterton insisted that it was a private party. The “Daily Mail” says the Hon. J. H. Thomas has no intention of resigning the Derby seat. “The Times” editorially says that though the structure of the National Government is sound enough the facade is beginning to wear a little thin. It alludes to the criticism that Mr Stanley Baldwin has lost his grip of affairs, but says that the seal of significance of the party’s private dinner is that Mr Baldwin should have convinced so many Commoners that whatever else is amiss with the Ministry, its leader has neither lost heart nor interest. It is believed Dir Baldwin has set himself the tasks of standing by the new Sovereign during the early months of his reign,' and also of making some definite contribution to the appeasement of Europe. It would be a profound misfortune if a change of British leadership should come about just when the latter decision seems in sight. RUMOUR DENIED MR RAMSAY MACDONALD’S RESIGNATION (Received 26th May, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, 25th May. The widespread rumour that Mr Ramsay MacDonald’s resignation from the Cabinet is imminent has been authoritatively denied. ERRAND BOYTO MINISTER CAREER OF MR THOMAS (British Official Wireless) "RUGBY, 23rd May. The resignation of Mr J. H. Thomas from the office of Secretary for the Colonies, which was announced last night, marks a stage in one of the most ’ remarkable careers in British politics. Mr Thomas, who was the son of labouring parents, began work as an errand boy at the age of nine at 4s a week. Later he became a callboy on the Great Western Railway, being engaged to waken engine-drivers and summon them for duty. Subsequently he became successively enginecleaner, fireman and driver. His close association with the trade union movement gave opportunities for his remarkable organising ability, and at 35 years of age he became president of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants and Member of Parliament for Derby. In 1917 he was made a Privy Councillor, and in 1924 entered Cabinet as Colonial Secretary in the first Labour Government. He has since held high Cabinet rank in three Governments and played an important part In the formation of the first National Government.