Following the selection of Michael Howard as party leader, the Conservatives have undergone a reshuffle of their frontbench team.

In a surprise move, the shadow cabinet has been halved to just 12 members, with Tim Yeo moving from a trade and industry brief to take charge of both health and education.

Amid criticisms from the Labour benches that the move reveals a lack of commitment to public services, the Tories insist that there are now more spokesmen focusing on health issues. Andrew Lansley, formerly a shadow cabinet member under William Hague's leadership, became shadow health secretary, while seven MPs and five peers have been awarded with frontbench jobs in the area of public services, health and education.

"This shadow team is a radical departure from past practice," said Howard. "The role of opposition is very different from the role of government. There is therefore no reason for the Opposition to mirror the structure of the government. Today's changes represent an explicit recognition that the Conservative Party needs greater flexibility in our parliamentary structures if we are to be able to challenge the government effectively at Westminster.

"More importantly, these changes will enable us to use the pool of talent we have more efficiently, in order to take our case out to the country and show how Conservative policies can provide a creative, workable and, above all, effective alternative to a failing Labour government."

Evan Harris has stood down as the Liberal Democrat's health spokesman.

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow has replaced him, while his previous brief as spokesman for older people has been taken by Sandra Gidley, who continues to speak on women's issues.

Following her success at the Brent East by-election, Sarah Teather was appointed a junior health spokesman after just 46 days in the House of Commons and before her maiden speech. She replaces Paul Marsden, who will now speak on transport issues.