The Davis shuffle

Last night on Question Time, David Davis said:

“If I was given my job back, I think I’d take it – but I don’t think I’ll be offered it.”

The general feeling in Tory circles is that David Cameron is not in any way obliged to reshuffle to bring Davis back in after he wins his by-election; a stint on the backbenches is the price that Davis pays for his stand. But things get interesting if Cameron is forced into a reshuffle. In these circumstances, the biggest question would be will Cameron bring Davis back?

This is a fascinating sub-text to the whole Caroline Spelman business. If this row about her nanny cum secretary ends up forcing her out, Cameron would have to bring in a replacement or shift his team around. Would Davis then be offered a chance to come back? If so, what job would he be offered and would he take it?

The answer to these questions is going to depend in large part on how the by-election plays out.