Michael Howard has decided not to reshuffle his shadow cabinet following next week's elections, reports the Telegraph.

The move comes amid concerns among senior officials that the late surge by the UK Independence Party is depriving the Tories of momentum in the run up to the poll.

The Times says there is "turmoil" in the Conservative camp following Howard's attack on UKIP earlier this week.

A fifth Tory peer, the Earl of Shrewsbury, announced that he will vote UKIP on June 10.