The composition of the Government is entirely in the power of the Prime Minister. When a Prime Minister rearranges Ministers, dismissing some and bringing in new blood, this is known as a reshuffle.
Reshuffles normally happen about once a year, although major ones tend not to take place in the two years preceding a general election. Reshuffles also follow a resignation, so that a vacancy can be filled.
A full government reshuffle is often hotly anticipated and is marked by extensive media speculation as to the winners and losers, based on rumour, off-the-record briefings and who arrives and leaves by which door in Downing Street.
Ministerial entrances and exits are confirmed via Number 10, with news about Secretaries of State normally coming first, with details of Ministers of State and Junior Ministers following. The whole process may take several days and normally comes towards the end of the week, while major reshuffles tend to take place at the beginning of long Parliamentary recesses.
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