Following shock results for UKIP Michael Howard yesterday conducted a swift shadow Cabinet reshuffle.

As a result of the changes Tim Yeo leaves the joint health and education portfolios to become responsible for the environment and transport.

Andrew Lansley steps into the shadow Cabinet to take the health brief, with Tim Collins following suit to lead on education.

Theresa May, who had held the post now filled by Yeo, takes up a new position as shadow secretary for the family in what can be read as a demotion for the former party chairman.

David Willetts retains the position of shadow secretary of state for work and pensions but hands over his policy coordination role to rising star David Cameron, who will not be in the top team but will report directly to Howard.