IF the Prime Minister was only thinking about a Cabinet re-shuffle this week, then Andrew Smith's resignation has forced his hand.

It also means the changes in ministerial personnel will be more sweeping than first thought.

While Mr Smith insists his decision was for purely personal reasons, it is rumoured he was uneasy at the prospect of announcing forthcoming reforms to disability payments and uneasy at pushing through job losses in his department.

His departure, therefore, could reflect concerns within the Labour Party at Government policy.

Mr Blair would wish to be spared such disquiet with the General Election probably less than a year away. This is a time for unity rather than dissent.

It must be tempting, therefore, for Mr Blair to pack his Cabinet with as many loyal foot soldiers as possible, ministers in whom he can place some trust in delivering an election victory.

As such, it is unsurprising that Alan Milburn is expected to be welcomed back to the front bench, just 15 months since he stepped aside for a quieter and more relaxed existence on the backbenches.

Mr Milburn's return will not be without controversy. Some ministers who have endured the Government's recent difficulties may be reluctant to welcome back with open arms someone who has chosen to get out of the firing line in recent months.

And some sections of the public, who admired Mr Milburn's motives for resigning last summer, may wonder why he has changed his tune so soon.