Mr Hoon moves from his position as Chief Whip to replace Ruth Kelly, who sparked the reshuffle when she announced her resignation during the Labour Party’s recent conference.

The former Defence Secretary has represented the Ashfield constituency in Parliament since 1992 and had been Chief Whip since June 2007.

Mr Hoon told Chad this week: “I was delighted to be appointed by the Prime Minister as Secretary of State for Transport. How we improve safety and continue to invest in the transport system are really important issues.

“Whether it’s improving local roads and helping motorists, improving local services for bus users or rail passengers or encouraging more people to cycle, these are really important issues for my constituents in Ashfield and people throughout the East Midlands.

“Improving transport is vital to the wider economy and it is a major priority for the Government. I am delighted to be able to play my part. I am 100 per cent focused on doing what I can to help my constituents at the present time.”