BBC News | In Depth | The Cabinet

Tony Blair clearly wanted a safe pair of hands at the Transport Department in the wake of the resignation of Stephen Byers and Alistair Darling's reputation fitted the role perfectly.

As he did in his previous role as work and pensions secretary, he almost immediately took the department out of the damaging media glare.

But with key decisions to be made for road and rail, Mr Darling cannot expect to maintain a low profile.

As one of Labour's modernisers and as a close ally of the prime minister, it seems likely that his future is assured in the future - even if he has a questionable relationship with Labour's rank and file.