A shake-up of government departments might make headlines – but voters need changes that will affect their lives

Inside Westminster: Rightly or wrongly, many people who voted Tory believe that finally getting Brexit done will have a noticeable impact

New year, new government. Boris Johnson is planning a wide-ranging cabinet reshuffle soon after the UK leaves the EU on 31 January, together with a shake-up of government departments.

In my experience, changing the nameplates and moving the Whitehall furniture around normally has little impact. Changes are often rushed, and made to fit round the ministers, rather than getting the departmental structure right first.

Like life, government goes round in circles. Two departments set up by Theresa May on becoming prime minister (for exiting the EU and international trade) will be abolished by Johnson. Trade will become part of a super ministry based on the Business Department; tipped to head it is Rishi Sunak, a Johnson favourite, currently number two at the Treasury.