The move from the Northern Ireland Office to the Cabinet Office in the role of the "enforcer" will look to build on Mo Mowlam's popularity within the party and among the public.

Her job, also known as the "minister for the Today programme" will be to present the government's policies with a friendlier face than that of her predecessor, Jack Cunningham.

In Northern Ireland, Dr Mowlam proved she had the ability to put her personal skills to work to force people to work together and tackle the toughest of problems.

The move may also be interpreted as the first step in building a cabinet ready to fight a general election.