A step too far in Blair's cabinet Reshuffle?

A number of Blair's moves in Friday's cabinet reshuffle were expected, to the extent that they were well overdue. Charles Clarke's exit looked inevitable, and the removal of John Prescott's responsibilities understandable with his personal judgment being openly questioned in the Media.

I am puzzled though by the need to replace Jack Straw as Foreign secretary, a role in which he has been respected internationally, and a steady hand at a time when there are a number of diplomatic issues bubbling away. The timing just days before a major New York meeting which will discuss among other topics the growing tension over Iran's nuclear ambitions is questionable.

The high profile of Straw's strong relationship with Condi Rice comes to mind as I question why Straw would be moved on at this point. Perhaps this strong connection with the Bush administration at lower levels than Blair and Bush themselves is being discouraged.

Another possibility is that Blair no longer feels Straw will support him continuing as Leader beyond this year, preferring either Brown or to challenge for the leadership himself. One might suppose this would certainly be the case now.