Albanese is only losing two ministers – but replacing them won’t be straightforward

Two out means two up and two in. Beyond that simple calculation, reconfiguring Labor’s frontbench becomes more complicated

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As Anthony Albanese prepares to reveal changes to his ministry on Sunday, the basic calculations are straightforward: two out means two up and two in.

The two confirmed ministerial resignations, from Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor, create vacancies for two more from the left faction. If Albanese sticks strictly to the formula, it should be one from New South Wales, in place of Burney, and a Victorian in for O’Connor.

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