The Opposition Leader said the shadow ministry, which rewards many of his loyalists as well as making some effort to reach out to rivals, will allow the Coalition ‘‘to take the fight up to the Rudd Government and deliver a real alternative at the next election’’.

Mr Andrews, whose unsuccessful pitch for the leadership a fortnight ago cleared the way for Mr Abbott’s campaign, will take on Mr Abbott’s former portfolios of families, housing and human services.

Ms Bishop, who previously served as aged care minister in the Howard government, moves into the role of shadow seniors minister, in which she will share responsibility for policy relating to older Australians with Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who has been promoted to the role of shadow minister for ageing.

The Parliament’s longest serving member, Mr Ruddock, takes on the role of shadow cabinet secretary following earlier controversy over his decision to seek another term in his Sydney-based electorate.

Speaking on Sky News, Mr Abbott said there would be ‘‘no Christmas holidays for opposition frontbenchers this year’’, and said that ‘‘I want to make a fight of things, I think I’ve got the frontbench to do that’’.

Big winners in the reshuffle include Nick Minchin, Eric Abetz, Barnaby Joyce, Scott Morrison and Ian Macfarlane, while losers include Sharman Stone, Steven Ciobo and Michael Keenan.

On Sunday Helen Coonan announced she would not be seeking a position on the new frontbench, while shadow ministers Margaret May and Chris Pearce had already announced they would head to the backbench ahead of their retirement at the next election.

Several senior shadow ministers will retain their positions: deputy leader Julie Bishop keeps foreign affairs, Joe Hockey will remain as shadow treasurer, Peter Dutton retains the health portfolio, Christopher Pyne keeps education, George Brandis keeps attorney-general and David Johnston stays on as defence spokesman.

The key positions

Barnaby Joyce - Finance

Bronwyn Bishop - Seniors

Christopher Pyne - Education

Joe Hockey - Treasury

Ian Macfarlane - Infrastructure

Scott Morrison - Immigration

Tony Smith - Communications

Phillip Ruddock - Secretary to Shadow Cabinet

Eric Abetz - Industrial Relations

Kevin Andrews - Families