Jeremy Hunt was promoted to Health Secretary today as the line-up of David Cameron's reshuffled Cabinet began to take shape.
The senior Tory, who came under huge pressure as Culture Secretary earlier this year over his role in the BSkyB takeover bid, replaces Andrew Lansley who becomes Commons leader.
It is the most significant element to be revealed so far of a wide-ranging shake-up of the top team that also saw Ken Clarke replaced as Justice Secretary by employment minister Chris Grayling.
Maria Miller, a junior minister in the Department for Work and Pensions, has been named as Hunt's replacement as culture secretary. The 48-year-old MP for Basingstoke was formerly the minister for disabled people.
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The veteran former chancellor has accepted a rovng "wise head" role within the Cabinet. Clarke denied that being moved to minister without portfolio was a humiliation.
The 72-year-old Tory "big beast" told reporters: "Being offered a job in the Cabinet at my age? Don't be so daft. It's rather a privilege, I think."
Hunt’s replacement has not yet been announced.
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