http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35220413

To be honest, I'm not convinced that a reshuffle is necessary. The only member of Corbyn's shadow cabinet I'm not keen on is Kerry McCarthy, not because I think she's too "right wing" but because I think she's an inappropriate choice to shadow DEFRA.

I also agree about Kerry McCarthy. I don't think she's RW, but to be honest I feel uncomfortable about her using her ministerial post to promote veganism. I have nothing against veganism, but I always disapprove when politicians use their posts to promote religious or other personal 'moral' values; and by the same token, I don't think they should be using it to promote a personal ideology like veganism (she may say that it's not personal as it affects the world in general, but a religious right-winger could say the same thing).

The other one I'm a bit dubious about is John McDonnell - more because of his style and gaffe-proneness than actual policies; but clearly Corbyn would not sack him.

Otherwise, I think having people like Burnham, Benn, Abbott, Nandy, the Eagle sisters, etc. all under one roof is a good thing and I hope it continues!

He's done a good job opposing tax credits, but he is gaffe prone, and that episode with Chairman Mao's little red book was toe-curlingly embarrasing.

I've said before that for all his faults, Andy Burnham is a good opposition spokesman and I still think that. Lucy Powell has impressed me as well.

As for Dugher, about the only thing I knew about him before this was that he's the MP for Barnsley East. Didn't even realise he was in the Shadow Cabinet. His fellow Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis is the one who makes all the headlines.

... but who isn't a vegan, I can't see how veganism is any more of a "personal ideology" than being an omnivore.

The Skin

And a personality, all of which will stand him in good stead in future debates with Gideon. The latter's plastic persona and general awkwardness will be put into sharp contrast.

and may amount to nothing at all. Except the sacking of Dugher, of whom I have to admit I'd never heard until he commented on the reshuffle.

Tut. Corbyn can't handle a little dissent, frankly.

When Dugher was campaign manager for Andy Burnham's leadership bid.

He had open goals and a number of live issues that desperately needed somebody to challenge the government within his portfolio of Culture, Media and Sport, and instead he was most vocal in playing his part in the infighting and grandstanding in the Tory press.

For my sins, I used to live in John Whittingdale's constituency when he held the post, and it wasn't high profile back then. In fact Whittingdale was far more high profile when he chaired the Culture, Media & Sport select committee than when he was on the front bench under IDS and Michael Howard!

http://newsthump.com/2016/01/06/shadow-railway-ministers-resignation-letter-arrives-an-hour-late-via-replacement-bus-service/