When Cameron considers reshuffling his Shadow Cabinet for 2009, there is more than the one question Iain Dale suggests that Cameon should ask.

1. Who will dedicate themselves to their role?
2. Who would Labour least like to be in the Shadow Cabinet?
3. Who would be effective in each position?
4. Who would be able to perform each role in government?

These are the very least questions that Cameron must ask himself of each and every person that sits on his front bench.

If that means bringing back Ken Clarke, he should be brought back. And I can see no better position for him than shadowing Peter Mandelson, since that plays to his strengths and acts as a great counterbalance to Labour’s big beast. And nevermind his position on the EU, as that really shouldn’t matter in modern party – despite what some think.*

It does appear that some refreshing of the Shadow Cabinet is necessary, and bringing Clarke and Davis “back in to the fold” is a sure-fire way to accomplish that, alongside creating a great amount of extra media attention.

* I disagree with Clarkes’ opinions on the EU as well, but that’s not a good enough reason to keep him out of the Shadow Cabinet.