Exclusive report by BBC Political Editor Robin Oakley on William Hague's reshuffle (1'16")

The BBC's Political Editor, Robin Oakley, says Mr Hague is likely to spend most of the day streamlining his new offensive. The main change is expected to be the return to the front bench of the outspoken former Home Office Minister, Ann Widdecombe.

When she arrived at Conservative Central Office this morning, Ms Widdecombe said "I am always hopeful." A quarter of an hour later she left saying she had no comment but that "I am always happy."

Mr Hague's decision to revamp his team is seen as a move to attack the government for election promises which the Tories say have not been fulfilled.

Widdecombe: Front bench return?

Sir Brian Mawhinney the current Shadow Home Secretary and Stephen Dorrell, the education spokesman and former Tory leadership candidate, are among those who will step down at their own request.

Gillian Shephard, the Shadow Leader of the Commons who had earlier indicated her willingness to go to the back benches, is believed to have been persuaded to stay on.

Shadow chancellor Peter Lilley, Shadow culture secretary Francis Maude, Tory MP Alan Duncan who is an aide to Mr Hague, Shadow environment secretary Sir Norman Fowler, Shadow constitution spokesman Michael Ancram and Ms Shephard have all visited Conservative Central Office this morning - and have all declined to comment on the reshuffle.

Howard: High-profile role?

Promotion is expected for David Willetts, the junior employment spokesman who was forced to resign as Paymaster General in the last Conservative government after criticism by a Commons select committee and for Liam Fox, a constitutional affairs spokesman.

Howard's reward

There has been much speculation about the future of the Shadow Chancellor, Peter Lilley, and the Shadow Foreign Secretary, Michael Howard, both seen as closely associated with the last Conservative government of John Major.

Many Tory MPs expect Mr Lilley, a creative thinker not best fitted for the rough and tumble of opposition to be switched to a different role.