With the first local election results showing promising gains for the Tories, Geoff Hoon, leader of the House of Commons, has just let slip an early morning cabinet reshuffle. He told David Dimbelby on BBC 1's Election Night programme that he would be heading to Downing Street in a few hours time. Could Mr Hoon - dubbed Buff-Hoon for his preformance as a defence minister be in line to take Charles Clarke's job as home secretary?
New Labour's attack dog John Reid got the damage limitation exercise well underway. The defence secretary told David Dimbelby on BBC 1's Election Night programme that he "wouldn't be surprised" if Labour "lose several hundred seats tonight", suggesting ministers are bracing themselves for the worst predicted scenario of 400-450 losses.
So far Labour has lost two councils, with no change for the Tories and Liberal Democrats. But the Tories have gained 57 seats, the Liberal Democrats have gained two and Labour have lost 49.
In London there are worrying signs that the British National Party may gain several seats in Barking and Dagenham. Local BNP officials say they're set to take 6-8 seats, with local Labour activists conceding the party could gain at least 5 councillors. The party could end up forming the official oppostion in the borough. BBC sources are also predicting Labour to lose Camden council in north London, which they've held for 30 years.
