Darling tipped for the Treasury in reshuffle

Gordon Brown will stamp his authority on his new Government this week by overhauling the front bench.

A majority of the 22 ministers in Tony Blair's last Cabinet will either quit, be moved or be sacked.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling remains on course to be entrusted with the Treasury, while Jack Straw is now favourite to take over the Ministry of Justice.

Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett is expected to be retired to the back benches, while John Reid has already announced he is standing down as Home Secretary. The departures give Mr Brown the freedom to offer major promotions, with David Miliband and Alan Johnson tipped for high office.

The new leader will adjust his moves in the wake of yesterday's surprise election of Harriet Harman as deputy party leader, before announcing them on Thursday.

He is expected to bring on a new generation of Labour talent, with ministers such as Ed Balls and James Purnell singled out for promotion-Those most likely to be sacked include Patricia Hewitt, who Mr Brown believes has bungled the handling of the NHS cash crisis, and Lady Amos in the Lords.

Question marks remain over the fate of Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and Defence Secretary Des Browne, as well as Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly.

Some of the contenders in the deputy leadership contest, in particular Hazel Blears and Jon Cruddas, are being tipped for jobs in recognition of their campaigns.