SUBROSA: A Guid Scottish Makeover. Alex Salmond changed some faces round the Cabinet table this week and within 48 hours George Osborne paid a brief visit to Scotland to peddle another scaremongering message - taxes would rise in an independent Scotland.
No mathematical detail was given but, as per No 10 and No 11 policy, the hope was the soundbite would be enough to make Scots shake in their shoes. Back to the changes in the government. The Burd gave her opinion and although I agree with most of her remarks, I think the main purpose for the key move of Nicola Sturgeon from Health to Infrastructure and Capital Spending will not only give her space to handle the referendum, but it will give her experience in economic development - a skill necessary for all those aiming for leadership.
SUBROSA: Who Is The Mysterious UK Government Source? Who is the mysterious UK government source who has criticised Alex Salmond for not attending a meeting of ministers from around the UK?
The Beeb has diligently published a UK government press release in an(other) effort to smear the First Minister. The next Joint Ministerial Committee, which meets four times a year to discuss areas of mutual concern, is to meet in London. The agenda is welfare reforms and the London Olympics. Representing the Scottish government will be the Scottish government's secretary for parliamentary business and the minister for Commonwealth Games and sport Shona Robison. SUBROSA.