Based on my own reading of Jim Callaghan's government and the problems it encountered, this ATL is based on the premise that when Callaghan became prime minister he made the following cabinet decisions.
Chancellor-Tony Crosland
Foreign Secretary-Denis Healey
The idea here being that a strong and some might say stubborn heavyweights would be more successful in the IMF negotiations.
On the industrial front Tony Benn would return to employment and Roy Mason would be at the head of a new super ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
This would leave Michael Foot to become NI secretary
Shirley Williams would take over as Leader Of The Commons with John Smith as Regional Affairs minister with special focus on devolution.
This combination may have led to a better outlook for the UK with Callaghan feeling able to call and win an Election in '78.
Any thought?
Chancellor-Tony Crosland
Foreign Secretary-Denis Healey
The idea here being that a strong and some might say stubborn heavyweights would be more successful in the IMF negotiations.
On the industrial front Tony Benn would return to employment and Roy Mason would be at the head of a new super ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
This would leave Michael Foot to become NI secretary
Shirley Williams would take over as Leader Of The Commons with John Smith as Regional Affairs minister with special focus on devolution.
This combination may have led to a better outlook for the UK with Callaghan feeling able to call and win an Election in '78.
Any thought?