DAVID Cameron has moved to quell unrest among the Conservative right with a string of changes meant to bring on a new generation of ministers focused on the delivery of Coalition policy.
Tory traditionalists were cheered by the promotions of right-wingers Chris Grayling to Justice, to lead a tougher line on human rights and prisons; Andrew Mitchell to Chief Whip, to instil party discipline in the run-up to the 2015 election; and Owen Paterson, who is pro-fox hunting and anti-wind farm subsidy, to the Environment brief.
Right-winger Peter Bone said: "It does seem to be a more traditional look to the line-up. Certainly it would show a Prime Minister listening to his party."
His Tory colleague Nadine Dorries tweeted: "I'm liking this reshuffle", while fellow Conservative backbencher Stewart Jackson said: "It is quite a balanced approach by the Prime Minister to respect the different traditions in the party and keep good talent."
Home Secretary Theresa May said the changes were not about left or right but about "looking to the future, building on reform, effective delivery and bringing forward the next generation".
No 10 also insisted the reshuffle was about bringing in new blood, but Labour last night insisted what was needed "was not new faces but new policies".
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