British Prime Minister Announces Cabinet Reshuffle On Twitter

In September 3, British Prime Minister David Cameron (@number10gov) reshuffled his cabinet and had millions of people witness the change via the social networking site Twitter. This move is known as one of the first Twitter cabinet reshuffles done with the full details for all followers to see. New and exiting members can also join the conversations and tweet their specific actions through the social networking site.

Evolving From Traditional To Social

Although the meeting was done in secret, the two million followers of David Cameron were able to get a step-by-step view of the entire process as the Prime Minister revealed the future of the senior benches on Twitter. It is a pioneering act of a world leader to rely on social media to make such major announcements. Political changes and major events have traditionally been done through a formal press release. Oftentimes, the announcement or statements were also forward to the House of Commons. Twitter allows users to post tweets no more than 140 characters long. The major changes were announced by Cameron one after the other. Several media personnel and political agencies followed the tweets then forwarded the news using other media instruments like the radio and TV. Others also relied on Twitter and retweeted?the news for others to find. Here's a screenshot of how things looked on his Twitter page.

Some of the changes made include Jeremy Hunt, Culture Minister, being promoted to Head of the Health Portfolio. Paul Deighton, Olympics Chief Executive was also promoted to Head of the Treasury Portfolio. Some of the people who were taken out of the list include Transport Minister Justine Greening, Secretary Cheryl Gillan, Baroness Warsi and Justice Minister Kenneth Clarke. Many of these individuals shared their status via other social media tools and sites, too. According to Cameron, Twitter is among the major channels that effectively and conveniently communicate to a huge audience. He used the hashtag?#reshuffle?for the announcements. The Prime Minister admits being addicted to several social media applications online. How do you find the PM's decision to announce on Twitter? Do you think it affects how the public sees the government? Tell us in the comments!