Gordon Brown yesterday faced accusations of "cronyism" as he completed his government reshuffle, with changes to junior ministerial ranks that he hopes will help give his party a new sense of purpose as parliament returns from its summer recess.

The surprise transfer of Lord Adonis, architect of the academies programme, to transport after three years as schools minister was pounced upon by the Tories as evidence of political tensions enduring behind the veneer of unity proclaimed by Mr Brown.