MP ERIC Pickles has been announced as the new chairman of the Conservative party in David Cameron’s first shakeup of 2009.

The MP for Ongar and Brentwood has swapped roles with former chairman, MP Caroline Spelman, who will take over as shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary.

Other changes to the main lineup include the re-introduction of veteran Tory Kenneth Clarke as shadow business secretary.

Making the announcement today, Conservative Party Leader David Cameron said he wanted: “the strongest possible Shadow Cabinet to take us forward to the General Election”

He said, “With Ken Clarke’s arrival, we now have the best economic team. With the other changes I have made today, we have combined fresh thinking with experience, hope and change with stability and common sense.”