Caroline Spelman MP

David Cameron faces a fresh reshuffle row tonight after claims he told Caroline Spelman he was sacking her in part because she was too old.

Downing Street has denied the claim, but refused to comment in detail on a private conversation between the Prime Minister and his former Environment Secretary.

Labour also seized on claims that Mr Cameron sipped a glass of wine as he fired another female Cabinet minister, former Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan.

The Eastern Daily Press report that, told she was too old, Ms Spelman replied she was only 54 - two years younger than her replacement Owen Paterson.<

She was also told she was of "Sir George Young's generation", but while Sir George, 71, was one of five sacked ministers to be offered honours, neither Ms Spelman nor Ms Gillan were given similar offers. The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman explained that neither woman had been offered honours because the Prime Minister recommends them for individuals had "an outstanding record of political and public service".

Commenting on Ms Spelman's sacking, he added: "As to whether or not she was sacked cos she was too old the answer is 'No'."

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "We already know David Cameron has a real problem in the way he treats women. If these accounts are true it seems he has a particular problem with older women too. At the same time as he is giving gongs to the boys and calling on politicians to be more "butch," David Cameron seems to be living in another century."

The Environment Secretary has argued the House of Commons should be equipped with a projector to enable MPs to use visual aids in debates.

In an interview with the Guardian, Caroline Spelman said a projector would be "immensely helpful" in communicating certain points.

"For what I have to deal with – flood, drought – maps are always involved. The ability to be able to project the evidence into the chamber would be immensely helpful."

"The chamber is a lovely, lovely building but it isn't geared up for modern, visual media."

Standpipes could be back on the streets of Britain next year if there is another dry winter, the Environment Secretary has warned. Speaking to the BBC TV programme Inside Out, Caroline Spelman said: “Whereas it’s most unlikely we would have standpipes this year, if we have another dry winter that becomes more likely.”  

Senior Conservatives are reportedly urging David Cameron to bring forward his anticipated Cabinet reshuffle in response to failing poll ratings. The Daily Mail reports the reshuffle could now take place as soon as next weekend, following the local elections on May 3.

Labour have hit out at the Government's handling of UK water supplies, with Mary Creagh accusing Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman of being "reluctant to get a grip".

With the news today that there would be a hosepipe ban next month for much of the south-east of England, the shadow environment secretary said the Government should "back Labour’s proposals for new laws to help people struggling to pay their bills".

Ms Spelman earlier insisted the Government was doing all it could, and that the implementation of the ban was a preventative measure to thwart further "draconian measures".