Tory MPs should face mandatory re-election to prevent the party's public face growing stale and out of date, a senior Conservative has said.

Speaking at a fringe meeting amid rumours of an early frontbench reshuffle, Archie Norman said it was "time to move along".

The former shadow Cabinet member said the current system meant some MPs subsequently lost enthusiasm once they enter the Commons.

"One reason why today we aren't the new energetic force we should be is because a large proportion of our people no longer have it in their hearts," he said.

"That's no criticism of the wonderful, wonderful people but the time has come to move along."

His comments came amid predictions that Iain Duncan Smith is planning a significant reshuffle later this year.

Following this week's party conference, Duncan Smith is likely to critically assess the performance of his frontbench team.

Whilst he will not want to rock the boat too much, he is said to be frustrated at the performance of some shadow ministers.

The party leader stepped back from a large reshuffle earlier this year following fears that it could jeopardise party unity.

Early predictions had suggested that Theresa May was set to be removed from the party chairmanship.

The two were said to have clashed over Duncan Smith's decision to remove the party's chief executive Mark McGregor.

But yesterday Duncan Smith moved to quash that rumour when he appeared alongside the chairman following her keynote address to party conference.

Mindful that the removal of David Davis from the chairmanship led to renewed doubts about his leadership, Duncan Smith is likely to leave the chairman in place until nearer to the election.

But he is likely to move some members who he deems could have performed better.

Shadow Cabinet members whose futures are in doubt are said to include Bernard Jenkin, the defence spokesman, and Jacqui Lait, the shadow Scotland secretary.

Others who could be moved include John Hayes, the shadow minister for agriculture, and Dr Liam Fox, the shadow health secretary.

But Duncan Smith may step back from sacking any senior Tories outright.

If he emerges from this week's conference unscathed, it is unlikely that he will seek to make new enemies who would undoubtedly join those already ranged behind him.

And any reshuffle will also be seen as an indication between Duncan Smith and his former leadership rivals.

To date senior Tories such as Kenneth Clarke, Michael Portillo, Ann Widdecombe and Francis Maude have shunned the new leader.

But recently the senior Tory peer Lord Hurd of Westwell said it was time for Duncan Smith to form "a pact" to bring the "big boys" back into the fold.