So far, the appointment of Ann Widdecombe has been confirmed as the new Shadow Health Secretary.

Ms Widdecombe was the outspoken Home Office minister in the last Tory government who once described the then Home Secretary, Michael Howard, as having "something of the night" about him. In opposition Ms Widdecombe has proved herself to be a formidable backbencher.

BBC News online's Nick Assinder says: "Ann Widdecombe has been one of the most effective backbenchers in putting the Labour government on the spot.

She will be in the forefront of William Hague's campaign to start putting pressure on a government with a massive majority and to target what he claims are Labour's broken pledges."

Other changes in the offing

There are also unconfirmed reports that Peter Lilley, who asked to step down as Shadow Chancellor, will be replaced by Francis Maude.

Mr Maude is currently the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. He is a friend and supporter of Mr Hague and a strong euro-sceptic.