Tony Blair is expected to leave his “big three” ministers in their current jobs in a reshuffle on Friday if, as expected, he wins the general election.
Contrary to weekend suggestions, Jack Straw is believed by members of Mr Blair’s inner circle to be almost certain to stay on as Foreign Secretary in the event of a Labour victory.
Mr Blair has already announced that Gordon Brown will stay as Chancellor and it is understood that Charles Clarke, appointed as Home Secretary as recently as December, will keep that job.
It is also likely that John Reid will remain as Health Secretary and Ruth Kelly as Education Secretary, provided she sees off a Conservative challenge in her Bolton West seat.
David Miliband is tipped to