Is Jacqui Smith just the first?

Sources closes to the PM are now confirming that Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is to go in the next reshuffle.

No great surprise, but these things are supposed to come on No. 10 headed notepaper on reshuffle day, emphasising the authority of the prime minister. Other ministers have also been in to see Gordon Brown and say they intend to stand down from their jobs.

Those hoping to stay in government should take note that the prime minister’s diary has been cleared for Friday. He might decide to shuffle the pack later, after the Euro election results on Monday – it’s much more conventional to wait for the full election results before responding to the electorate’s “message.”

But it’s an ominous sign.