[1] Rowling reallocated the portfolios of his shadow cabinet in February 1977 following the resignation of Colin Moyle who left parliament after controversial allegations made the previous year.
Sir Basil Arthur was to act as agriculture spokesman and his shadow transport portfolio was given to Ron Bailey.
[8][9] Roger Douglas was sacked from the shadow cabinet on 30 June 1980 for releasing an "Alternative Budget" against Rowling's wishes which caused a minor reshuffle.
[11] Rowling reshuffled his shadow cabinet in March 1981 in preparation for the general election scheduled for the end of the year.
[12] However, after Joe Walding unexpectedly announced his intention to retire, Rowling did reinstate Douglas to the shadow cabinet as his replacement in the Trade and Industry portfolio.