Michael Howard has conducted a minor reshuffle of his frontbench team following the sacking of Boris Johnson.

Johnson, who was sacked as arts spokesman following a row over an affair, is being replaced by Hugo Swire who moves from his current post in the Whips' Office.

The Conservative chief also announced that Tim Boswell moves from his current home affairs brief to to join the work and pensions team.

Mark Prisk joined the Whips' Office from the economic affairs team.

And Robert Key stepped up to the front bench to cover science issues, a post which will carry responsibilities across the environment and transport and the economic affairs teams.

The mini-reshuffle came as the row over Johnson's sacking rumbled on.

Spectator

The Henley MP has retained his post as editor of the Spectator magazine.

And the magazine's media columnist described the sacking as "by far and away" the best thing done by Howard since he became leader.

"The really good news - for Boris, a free press and, above all, for the Spectator - is that Michael Howard has sacked him," wrote Stephen Glover.

"That is by far and away the best thing he has done since becoming Tory leader.

"Of course, I understand that Boris was about to give up being shadow minister of the arts in any case.

"He had seen the incompatibility of these particular two jobs."