Night of the long knives!
Went to the New Local Government Networks summer reception at Parliament this evening and the tension was almost unbearable. Today Gordon Brown received the keys to number 10 and the inevitable ministerial reshuffle was only hours away.
There was lots of Ministers and MPs buzzing about in expectation, anticipation and maybe even fear. Nick Raynsford gave a speech and whilst he is still excellent value he probably knows his days of high ministerial office have came and went. Ruth Kelly also said a few words and probably knows that she will be on the move, the gossip can't quite make up its mind as to whether it will be demotion or enhancement. Angela Smith is also there and I would hope her star is rising, as she has always been kind to APSE.
It was good to catch up with a number of the familiar faces on the circuit, swap stories and scoff the orange juice and canapies. The terrace at Westminster is a beautiful setting, pity about the rain.
Promoting excellence in public services
APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) is a not for profit unincorporated association working with over 300 councils throughout the UK. Promoting excellence in public services, APSE is the foremost specialist in local authority frontline services, hosting a network for frontline service providers in areas such as waste and refuse collection, parks and environmental services, cemeteries and crematorium, environmental health, leisure, school meals, cleaning, housing and building maintenance.
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