The prime minister is set to announce the final changes to his government, with Keith Vaz, the beleagured minister for Europe, set to face the axe.

Vaz, who was re-admitted to hospital on Sunday, has faced months of allegations concerning his business dealings and his links with the controversial Hinduja brothers.

The minister for Europe is expected to be relieved of his duties on "health grounds" saving Blair the embarrasment of sacking the minister who he has defended in recent weeks.

With Blair having announced a major shake-up of his cabinet on Friday, many changes are now expected to junior government posts.

Blair spent the weekend at Chequers where he was in touch with the winners and losers in his shake-up of the government's junior ranks.

Shaun Woodward, the new MP for St Helens South, is tipped as a possible winner in the reshuffle - which will be announced on Monday.

It is thought he may get a job in the new Transport, Local Government and the Regions Department. Others suggest that Tony Blair will hold off for a year before bringing the controversial former Conservative MP into the government.

John Prescott is expected to receive a second snub when it is announced that Lord Macdonald of Tradeston is to move to the Cabinet Office where he will effectively be the "enforcer".

This would leave Prescott with the title of deputy prime minister but little actual responsibility in policy terms. Lord Falconer may also see his powers boosted at the Cabinet Office.

Others tipped for enhanced roles include the defence minister Baroness Symons and health minister John Denham.