Education Minister Randy Horton has been axed from Cabinet but Premier Ewart Brown has refused to say why.

In a shock move Dr. Brown yesterday switched Environment and Youth and Sport Minister Elvin James to the controversial portfolio – the seventh Progressive Labour Party Education Minister in ten years.

Backbencher Glenn Blakeney, who had been Government whip, takes over Mr. James' portfolios as he enters Cabinet for the first time.

Mr. Horton declined to comment last night.

However one PLP backbencher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he believed the parting wasn't amicable and that Mr. Horton had been asked to resign, refused and then got the push.

And the MP said political motives, as well as the Premier's frustration about the speed of change within the Education department, could also have played a part in the ousting of Mr. Horton – once Dr. Brown's keen ally.

"I think it is somewhat clear that Randy has had his eye on the leadership as well," said the MP.

At a hastily arranged lunchtime press conference, Dr. Brown, flanked by Mr. James, said the move had come following "a series of discussions" with Mr. Horton and he had advised the Acting Governor to relieve Mr. Horton of the Education Minister's post.

Dr. Brown added: "I have thanked Mr. Horton for his service and recognised that he has served in a challenging time in Education and that he led the start of the much-needed reforms in the public education system."

The Premier said he had every confidence in Mr. James' ability to take on the Education challenge.

"Improving the education system is the centrepiece of this Government's efforts and I am sure that progress will continue to be made in spite of this change in leadership."

He said Mr. Blakeney, who takes over at Environment, Youth and Sport, was ill and so not able to attend the press conference.

Dr. Brown added: "I know he is excited at this opportunity and looks forward to joining the Cabinet.

"I too am pleased to have the chance to promote from within and I am confident that Mr. Blakeney will continue the sterling work done by Mr. James in this critical area."

A swearing-in by the Governor is expected this morning.

Dr. Brown avoided questions at the press conference and said outside: "The statement I have given is all I want to give right now and I will do something larger later."

Asked if he was concerned about stability in Education given that Mr. James would become the seventh Minister in a decade Dr. Brown told The Royal Gazette: "No, we do what we have to do, we do what's best for Bermuda."

Mr. Horton had recently been linked to a leadership challenge against Dr. Brown but later denied any interest.

But Dr. Brown denied that leadership was the issue behind the sacking however one PLP MP said last night: "Where there's smoke.."

And a third PLP backbencher said: "I don't know – something extraordinary must have gone on, it is a massive move."

Staff at the Education Ministry, where Mr. Horton had served for two years, said they were shocked although rumours had began earlier that morning that a move was imminent.

Mr. Horton, a former professional footballer and headmaster, was elected in 1998 in Hamilton Parish and was a supporter of Arthur Hodgson's failed bid to oust Premier Jennifer Smith in 2000.

In 2001 he was made Community Affairs and Sports Minister and in July 2003 was promoted to Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister after moving his seat to Southampton West.

A key backer of Dr. Brown's successful bid to remove Premier Alex Scott in 2006, Mr. Horton was given the Education and Sports brief.

However his own ambitions for the Deputy Leadership ended badly when he had to withdraw before the vote was finished as Paula Cox romped to an enormous victory.

And Mr. Horton had troubles in his own backyard after his Southampton West PLP branch voted overwhelmingly to choose Marc Bean as candidate for the December 2007 Election.

Only the intervention of the PLP hierarchy saved Mr. Horton who comfortably took the seat against UBP challenger Charlie Swan at the poll.

Premier Ewart Brown stripped him of the Sport brief in the ensuing Cabinet reshuffle which some said was a bid to get Mr. Horton to focus on Education which was being revamped after plummeting graduation rates which had sparked the landmark Hopkins review.