Cameron free for a frontbench reshuffle

David Cameron is being urged to carry out an extensive shadow cabinet reshuffle next month in the wake of David Davis's resignation.

A purge of Mr Davis's allies and former supporters could take place as the Tory leader seeks to reassert his authority.

Among possible casualties are Andrew Mitchell, shadow international development secretary, and David Willetts, shadow universities secretary, who both backed Mr Davis for the Tory leadership. Mr Davis is likely to be offered a lesser role, a move that would almost certainly see him turn it down. Mr Cameron now has been presented with a free hand to pick his team for the first time.

The reshuffle is likely to take place after the byelection. Senior party figures say shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers and defence spokesman Liam Fox are also at risk of the chop.