04/04/2003

Reid takes over as Leader of the House

Former Northern Ireland Secretary of State John Reid has returned to the Cabinet after he was handed Robin Cook's old job as Leader of the House today.

The Leader of the House portfolio became vacant after Robin Cook resigned on March 17 in protest at the launch of the war in Iraq without a second UN resolution. Ben Brown has deputised in the role since.

The reshuffle sees John Reid return to the Cabinet for the first time since he was moved on from the Northern Ireland post in October lasy year - 10 days after devolution was suspended in the province.

After moving on from the NIO last year, Mr Reid took over as Labour Party Chairman - an enforcers role to police troublesome elements in the party and unions.

(GMcG)

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