UK & World News: Cabinet reshuffle as Huhne quits

Feb 3 2012

David Cameron and Nick Clegg have been forced into a mini-reshuffle of their ministerial team after the dramatic resignation of Chris Huhne from the Cabinet.

Mr Huhne quit as Energy and Climate Change Secretary to fight a criminal charge of perverting the course of justice after allegations that he asked ex-wife Vicky Pryce to take a speeding penalty on his behalf to avoid losing his driving licence.

In his resignation letter to Mr Cameron, Mr Huhne said he was standing down to mount "a robust defence" against the charge. Remaining in the Cabinet would be "distracting", both to his legal fight and to his Government work, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr Clegg announced later that his replacement at the head of the Department for Energy and Climate Change is business minister Ed Davey, who has won plaudits for his handling of the sensitive plans for the part-privatisation of the Royal Mail.

Mr Davey's promotion maintains the agreed proportion of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats around the Cabinet table fixed in the 2010 coalition negotiations.

But some Lib Dems will rue the departure of one of their hardest-hitting ministers, who was ready to stand up to Conservatives in Cabinet.

Mr Clegg said he had told Mr Huhne that he would like to see him "back in Government in a key position" if he clears his name.

The Lib Dem leader's parliamentary aide Norman Lamb was promoted to Mr Davey's former position in the Department for Business, while Lib Dem MP for Cardiff Central Jenny Willott becomes an assistant Government whip.

Mr Huhne will appear in court on February 16 to face a charge which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. His former wife, Ms Pryce, will face the same charge over a speeding penalty issued in March 2003. The claim emerged after Mr Huhne split from his wife of 26 years.

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UK & World News: Cabinet reshuffle as Huhne quits