As the reshuffle unfolded this morning, Ed Balls had been widely tipped to replace Alistair Darling as the next Chancellor, before it was announced that Darling will stay in his role.
It has been suggested that James Purnell, who quit as Work and Pensions Secretary last night, had been lined up to replace Ed Balls as Children's Secretary.
However, his resignation and subsequent call for the Prime Minister to stand aside is thought to have prompted a revision of Gordon Brown's reshuffle plans.
Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, said: "It is a great relief for the children's sector who have been worried about the risk of a loss of continuity and drive. Ed Balls has won the respect of most people in the sector."
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