BARONESS Sayeeda Warsi lost her job as David Cameron reshuffled his Cabinet for the first time.

The Dewsbury politician was replaced yesterday as co-chairman of the Conservative Party by housing minister Grant Shapps.

Baroness Warsi was demoted to minister of state at the Foreign Office with responsibility for faith and communities.

Huddersfield political expert Dr Pete Woodcock told the Examiner yesterday that the lack of non-white faces at the top table of British politics could be a problem for the Conservatives.

The University of Huddersfield politics lecturer said: “Baroness Warsi pointed out last week that the Tories need to appeal to a demographic which she represents – female, Northern, ethnic minority.

“David Cameron wanted to get more women and ethnic minorities involved so her moving aside is problematic.”

But Dr Woodcock added that negative newspaper stories about the Conservative peer made her demotion understandable.

“There’s been a drip, drip, drip of controversies around Baroness Warsi in the last year, so it’s not astonishing that she’s been moved aside.”

Elsewhere, Ken Clarke became minister without portfolio, with right-winger Chris Grayling taking his place at the Ministry of Justice.

“It’s indicative of a move to the right,” said Dr Woodcock.

“Ken Clarke was centrist on issues of criminal justice. What he’s said about prisons and sentencing is not a view which is generally shared on the backbenches of the Tory party.”

Health secretary Andrew Lansley – who has pushed through controversial changes to the NHS – was demoted to leader of the House of Commons yesterday.

He was replaced by culture minister Jeremy Hunt, who has been heavily criticised for his links to the Murdoch family.

Dr Woodcock said: “Purely on his ability to do the job, it’s no surprise that Andrew Lansley has lost his job.

“My understanding is that David Cameron is convinced that the problems with his health policy are problems of packaging rather than substance.

“He regards Jeremy Hunt as a safe pair of hands who can present the existing health policy better.

“It’s quite a vote of confidence.”

Colne Valley Conservative MP Jason McCartney last night welcomed the reshuffle.

“I think it’s a fresh start which re-energises the Government half-way through the term,” he said.

“I’m particularly looking forward to working with Patrick McLoughlin who has moved from chief whip to transport secretary.

“I’m also pleased that Baroness Warsi is still involved with the Government.”

Mr McCartney denied that the reshuffle showed the Government had moved to the right.

“Everyone is obsessed with left and right, but it’s not a question of that, it’s a question of getting refocused on getting the economy up and running.”

All five Lib Dem Cabinet ministers remained in their posts yesterday.

However, former chief secretary to the Treasury David Laws, who resigned in 2010 over his expenses claims, returned as a junior education minister.

The new Cabinet will meet for the first time today.

Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt promoted to health secretary.

International development secretaryAndrew Mitchell became chief whip.

Welfare minister Chris Grayling promoted to justice secretary.

Transport minister Theresa Villiers named as secretary of state for Northern Ireland.

Disability minister Maria Miller promoted to culture secretary.

Former chief secretary to the Treasury David Laws returned to Government as an education minister.

Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson promoted to environment secretary.

Chief whip Patrick McLoughlin moved up to transport.

Junior Welsh Office minister David Jones named as Welsh secretary.

Housing minister Grant Shapps named as new Conservative Party co-chairman.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley demoted to leader of the House of Commons.

Leader of the House of Commons Sir George Young sacked.

Justice secretary Ken Clarke relegated to minister without portfolio.

Justine Greening moved down from transport to international development.

Sayeeda Warsi demoted from Conservative Party co-chairman to Foreign Office minister.

Environment secretary Caroline Spelman, Welsh secretary Cheryl Gillan and solicitor general Edward Garnier all sacked.