Freedom of Information Bill faces uncertain future without Clark

The future of the Freedom of Information Bill hangs in the balance, following yesterday's cabinet reshuffle.

David Clark, the chief supporter of the bill, has been replaced as Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster and it is unknown whether his successor, Jack Cunningham, will continue to offer support.

Before the reshuffle, MPs feared Clark's removal would further delay the bill, which proposes using the Web to publish once-secret government information.

Last week, Derek Foster, former Labour chief whip, said it is "absolutely essential" to change Whitehall's "culture of secrecy". Maurice Frankel, director of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, said the government will leave itself open to criticism if it fails to carry the bill forward.