OTTAWA - Speculation is growing that Prime Minister Stephen Harper will shuffle his cabinet this week -- possibly as soon as Tuesday.
Insiders say about five ministers will change jobs, and no one will be elevated from the Conservative backbenches.
One post that needs filling is veterans affairs after Greg Thompson resigned yesterday, saying he had accomplished all he set out to.
Sources say Harper could give the job to a junior minister of state.
Cabinet heavyweights like Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Defence Minister Peter MacKay are expected to stay put.
Harper is also ready to name five loyal Conservatives to the Senate, where the Liberals currently outnumber the Tories by only three seats.
A Senate majority would give the Harper Tories control of the Upper Chamber's committees and allow the government to move bills through the Senate faster.
