David Cameron

BBC

Speculation is mounting about an imminent ministerial reshuffle as MPs return for a new parliamentary term.

The reshuffle, which could come as early as Tuesday, would see the first major changes to David Cameron's top team since he became prime minister, reports the BBC.

Although high-ranking ministers like the chancellor are unlikely to be affected, changes are expected in the cabinet and junior ministerial posts.

This comes as the government announces further measures to boost growth.

On Sunday, Cameron said he wanted to "cut through the dither" that was holding the British economy back - amid growing unease among Conservative MPs who argue there is no coherent plan to get the country out of recession.

It is understood that the reshuffle is unlikely to affect Chancellor George Osborne, Home Secretary Theresa May and Foreign Secretary William Hague.

But former Liberal Democrat cabinet minister David Laws is expected to return in some capacity.  Laws resigned as chief secretary to the Treasury two years ago after admitting he claimed expenses to pay his partner's rent.

Conservative Party chairman Baroness Warsi has appealed to David Cameron to allow her to keep her post in any reshuffle.

She said she would like to "stay doing what I'm doing" and argued that as a northern, female Muslim she could help the party attract a new generation of voters.

There has also been speculation about possible moves for Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan and International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell.

Housing minister Grant Shapps, employment minister Chris Grayling and minister for disabled people Maria Miller are among Conservatives tipped for promotion.

But Tory MP John Redwood, who served as a cabinet minister in the 1990s, said the reshuffle was not "the big story" and it was more important for the government to create a plan to "turn this economy round in time".

"I don't think the reshuffle is nearly as important as what the top team decide to do," he told BBC News.

"We read confident predictions that the most senior ministers are all going to stay in place, so what matters is what they are offering and what they are going to do."

Downing Street has confirmed that the next meeting of the cabinet will take place at the usual time on Tuesday morning.