Although it is known that Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy does not like reshuffles, political sources in Madrid take the view that a reshuffle cannot be ruled out, sooner or later, given the state Spanish politics is in. The ruling PP party is given 28% of support in the latest opinion polls, so there is a need to give the party a fresh face.

When the reshuffle comes, it is a foregone conclusion in Madrid circles that the Spanish foreign minister Margallo will get the axe.

The departure of Margallo would be welcomed in Gibraltar, as he has been a political trouble-maker, adopting a tough position on Gibraltar and threatening the state of Anglo-Spanish relations.

It is believed that foreign secretary William Hague would welcome to see the end of Margallo in foreign affairs.

Such a possibility might well usher in the prospect of better relations and a new approach to relations over Gibraltar, although a PP government will always adopt a relatively tough position on the Gibraltar issue, as recent history has shown.

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