Gordon Brown, UK prime minister, is leading the Labour party into a rout at this week’s European election. He may set new records for electoral unpopularity. A heavily trailed feature of his post-slaughter counterstrike is a cabinet reshuffle. This, however, will be political theatre – a puppet show to distract from the carnage.

Major reshuffles should be avoided; few portfolios benefit from inexperience at the helm. At this stage in the parliament, with only a year left until an election is required, the only reason to change ministers is if they lack the authority required to do their job. Jacqui Smith, the hapless home secretary, is rightly being replaced. But Alistair Darling, the chancellor of the exchequer, should stay.