In a government reshuffle in October 1999, Mo Mowlam was moved from her Northern Ireland post to become Minister for the Cabinet Office. In Northern Ireland the peace process continues - it has been in limbo since Peter Mandelson, the new Northern Ireland Secretary, suspended the Assembly after the IRA refused to start handing in weapons. For more information see links.

In early September 2000, Mowlam announced that she will retire from politics following the next general election. Her decision to pursue a career outside of Parliament comes amidst speculation of a conspiracy, a suggestion that Mowlam has dismissed claiming that her decision to move on is personal and 'nothing to do with politics.'