"I’m proud to be taking this role on. We live in very challenging times because of the global economic situation, we must make sure that we do all we can to protect jobs across all sectors of the economy; public, private and voluntary.

"We will continue to make the case for the financial services industry in the region, especially for people working for the Halifax and the Bradford and Bingley banks.

"Maintaining support for small and medium sized business, of which there are a great number across the region, will also be an important priority."

Rt. Hon. Rosie Winterton MP said:

"I am delighted that Jeff will be joining my team. He is a hard-working MP whose knowledge and dedication to the region will be a great asset as we steer the region through these tough times."

Also connected with the reshuffle, Meg Munn MP (Sheffield Heeley) will be nominated as the new Labour chair of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.

ENDS