It isn't Brown, its Balls.

And so finishes the front-line political career of Alan Johnson.

A much loved and respected politician but one who was clearly feeling the heat on the political and personal front in recent weeks.

Given his 'personal' situation it was sensible for Alan to step down. Odd though that Alan did not wait until a re-shuffle announcement, but suspicions tonight it may be related to a suspected affair with a civil servant that may have been revealed in the press.

This blog was cautious about the appointment of Alan Johnson to the position of Shadow Chancellor, instead overtly favouring the eminently qualified Yvette Cooper for the job.

Yvette has a future herself, but Ed Balls is the next best choice. He is intelligent, charming, caustic, discerning and has far more raw intelligence than George Osborne. Intellectually George will face a master across the dispatch box who will pick up on every inconsistency, every nuanced slight-of-hand and every decimal point in the budget box.

George himself has grown into the position but many in financial circles still feel he is too political and light weight. Someone with an incomplete and lack of grasp on economic detail. The Tories know this which is why they wheel out Michael Fallon (the man who did not get the Chairmanship) to tackle Labour.

Ed Balls will be able to challenge George on the minutiae as well as the bigger issues.

Interestingly neither men is particularly popular with the public. Both appeal to the partisan bases so expect red meat from both.

And what about the latest CCHQ-inspired attack of Ed Balls having worked for Gordon Brown. Cameron of course worked (or spun) for both John Major and Norman Lamont - that CCHQ line simply doesn't wash.... but well, 15% interest rates, werent, cough, that bad.

Ed Balls is the best choice for the job at this time. He will strengthen a formidable front-line team which is already 5% ahead in the national polls.