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

Dr. Brown today moved Environment and Youth and Sport Minister Elvin James to the controversial portfolio - the seventh PLP 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.

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 education 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 tomorrow 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 sixth minister in a decade years 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 today that leadership was the issue behind the sacking.