By Maria Ahmed, Deputy News Editor
Can the social care sector trust Gordon Brown with making the right moves in the current reshuffle?
The resignation of children's minister Beverley Hughes could leave all the post-Baby P reforms hanging in the ether, according to Ray Jones, professor of social work at Kingston University. And this could further be compounded by the possible appointment of children's secretary Ed Balls to chancellor.
Speculation aside, a quick look back at the last Brown reshuffle in 2007 shows it wasn't all that bad for social care, which might reassure some.
The reshuffle, which was initially welcomed by the sector, saw the meteoric rise of Ed Balls to secretary of the newly created Department for Children, Schools and Families.
And Phil Hope, who replaced Ivan Lewis as care services minister, was viewed as a "safe pair of hands" at a crucial time for adult social care. You could also add that the appointment of Alan Johnson as health secretary wasn't a bad move.
Let's hope (no pun intended) that old GB (if he survives) can get it right this time, especially as Balls' relationship with the children's sector has turned somewhat sour, according to bloggers Daniel Lombard and David Clark.
Blogger Outside Left also says that we need more ministers with social work experience - something else the PM may want to bear in mind.
Who should replace Hughes and possibly Balls, Johnson and Hope? Have your say at Carespace.
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