Non-lawyer Alan Duncan was this week charged with speaking for the opposition on legal affairs after solicitor Bill Cash's time on the front bench came to end in the reshuffle by new leader Michael Howard.

Mr Cash, who shadowed both the Attorney-General and Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, was left out of the shadow team.

Another non-lawyer, David Davies, has been given the overall shadow cabinet brief as secretary of state for home, constitutional and legal affairs.

Mr Duncan has been named shadow secretary of state for constitutional affairs, while barrister Dominic Grieve has become shadow attorney-general.

Barrister Nick Hawkins, who was shadow solicitor-general, has been dropped and not replaced.

City solicitor Nigel Waterson has also left the front bench.

Mr Davies's junior ministerial team includes solicitors Eleanor Laing and Humphrey Malins.

Solicitor Stephen O'Brien was named shadow industry secretary.