John Hutton, MP for Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, has been appointed the new works and pensions secretary, and is the third person to have held this post this year!
He first entered the cabinet as chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in May 2005. Previously, he was minister of state with responsibility for social care at the department of health in 1999.
Mr Hutton believes that he will be able to press ahead with the governments' welfare reform agenda, and has said that he is looking forward to 'the challenge of creating a pension system that allows people to enjoy a secure retirement in a country where there will soon be more people over the age of 80 than under 5'.
Our view
The 'hot potato' of this century, and yes we believe it is that important, has been thrown to John Hutton - we wonder how long he will be able to handle it. We are living longer, we are unwilling to pay for increased health costs and we are not prepared to save towards our retirement. This is clear.
Compulsory pensions are the only way forward and an extension of the State Pension is almost a certainty.