As it is, however, Mr. Chamberlain becomes Leader of the
House, and consequently will cease to be Chancellor of the Exchequer. It was at first said that he would take the position of Lord Privy Seal, but it was then remembered that that (although the acceptance of the office would mean only that Mr. Chamberlain was exchanging one office of gain for another office of gain) involves re-election. The post of Lord Privy Seal is an exception to the ordinary rule. According to the latest rumour, therefore, Mr. Chamberlain, if the Government do not want to face a by-election, may become a Minister without portfolio. There are many rumours as to the other changes, but a decision is likely to be postponed for some little time. Mr. Chamberlain, it is understood, will not introduce the Budget, and the names chiefly mentioned for the post of Chancellor of the Exchequer are those of Sir Robert Home, Mr. Stanley Baldwin, and Sir L. Worthington Evans.
