London, June 13: British Prime Minister Tony Blair shook up his cabinet on Thursday, naming John Reid as his new health minister as controversial Lord Chancellor Lord Irvine stepped aside, Blair's office announced. Reid replaces David Milburn, whose resignation to spend more time with his family -- announced earlier in the day -- came as a surprise to political analysts in London. Lord Irvine's position -- one of the oldest in the British government, but riddled with conflicts of interest -- is to be overhauled, the current panel of law lords to be replaced by a Supreme Court. Succeeding Reid as leader of the House of Commons is Peter Hain, who has been Welsh Secretary and Britain's chief delegate to the Brussels-based convention that is drafting an EU constitution.

Blair made no changes to the jobs which impact most on Britain's role on the international stage.
Gordon brown thus remains Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jack Straw foreign secretary, David Blunkett home secretary, and Geoff Hoon -- widely tipped for a new job -- defence secretary.
Lord Charles falconer was named to head a new department of constitutional affairs, while Helen Liddell resigned as secretary for Scottish Affairs.
Within Britain, Reid's nomination was the most important, as the health minister is responsible for the huge but troubled National Health Service (NHS), which provides free health care to everyone in the country.
Bureau Report