So what now, Yvette?

Aside from the failure of other ministers to follow his lead, one of the saddest aspects to James Purnell’s resignation is that the DWP has lost an extremely capable minister.  Yes, I know he’s not a particular favourite of CoffeeHousers – but he was instrumental in getting David Freud’s welfare reform agenda accepted as government policy, and even hired Freud as an adviser.  Before Freud’s defection to the Tories, all signs were that the duo would push through some of the radical measures that the country requires as both job queues and welfare bills soar.

But now Purnell’s gone, one of the questions swirling around the Westminster policy arena is what the appointment of Yvette Cooper will mean for welfare reform. The signs aren’t particularly clear.  One line of thought is that welfare reform is now too much of a consensus issue for the Government to dilute it; another is that Brown might cede to union pressure, and use the opportunity to row back on Purnell’s plans.