The Labour and Tory reshuffles announced this week show both parties behaving true to form.   In the case of Labour the permanent infighting battles have resurfaced and the Tony/ Gordon trial of strength is clear for all to see.  

My problem is to see how all this maneuvering will benefit anyone in New Forest East.   Pensioners still struggle; students still hesitate about going to university, global warming is unabated, NHS dentists are still disappearing and so it goes on.

The Tory reshuffle bears all the hallmarks of panic.  Mr. Howard, with the Tories even less popular than they were under William Hague or Iain Duncan Smith clearly feels he has to do something.   

His reaction has been predictable.  “when in doubt, turn to the right”.  He has sacked John Bercow and Damian Green, both very able and moderate and brought back John Redwood who is also very able and capable of promoting the loony right agenda.