Bill Shorten is expected to remain on Labor's frontbench – possibly as shadow minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme – in a reshuffle that will see only one woman remain in a leadership position.

Powerful South Australian senator Don Farrell is expected to remain as Labor's deputy leader in the Senate as NSW senator Kristina Keneally lacks the numbers.

Former Labor leader Bill Shorten and NSW senator Kristina Keneally are both jockeying for new roles. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Penny Wong is expected to remain as Senate leader and foreign affairs spokesperson. This would make her the only woman to hold one of the party's four leadership positions.

Richard Marles has long coveted the foreign affairs portfolio and as the incoming deputy leader it is his prerogative to choose his portfolio.