David Cameron is the youngest Prime Minister for almost 200 years, with
William Hague confirmed last night as Foreign Secretary and
George Osborne as Chancellor of the Exchequer in a Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government. But who else is lined up for a key cabinet post so far?
David Cameron: Prime Minister
Elected Conservative leader in December 2005 at the age of 39, Old Etonian David was the party’s campaign co-ordinator at the 2005 general election and shadow education secretary. In the 1990s, he was special adviser to Home Secretary Michael Howard and Chancellor Norman Lamont. He subsequently spent seven years as a public relations executive with the broadcaster Carlton.
Nick Clegg : Deputy Prime Minister
MP for Sheffield Hallam since 2005, Clegg succeeded Sir Menzies Campbell as Liberal Democrat leader in December 2007. Formerly a European Commission official and a Euro-MP, the 43-year-old (same age as Cameron) speaks five languages and was judged in polls to have been the big winner of the first televised leaders’ debate in the run-up to the election.
William Hague: Foreign Secretary
Former Tory leader (1997-2001) Hague also served in John Major’s Cabinet. A strong Eurosceptic, the 49-year-old was shadow foreign secretary until the election and has functioned as a key adviser to Cameron.
George Osborne: Chancellor of the Exchequer
Scotching speculation that Alistair Darling’s job might go to Kenneth Clarke or Vince Cable, the 38-year-old has become the youngest Chancellor for more than a century. Cameron’s closest ally in the drive to modernise the Tory party, he became MP for Tatton in 2001 and was promoted from shadow chief secretary to the Treasury to shadow chancellor in May 2005 at the age of 34.
Theresa May: Home Secretary
The MP for Maidenhead is promoted from the shadow work and pensions secretary in opposition to become only the second woman, after Jacqui Smith, to be Home Secretary – one of the three major offices of state. Mrs May, who will also be women’s minister, is well-known for her adventurous fashion sense and extensive collection of shoes.
Kenneth Clarke: Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor
Veteran politician Kenneth Clarke steps into the role Jack Straw has been forced to vacate. He served for 18 years as a minister under both Margaret Thatcher and John Major’s government. Noted as a serious cigar smoker.
Vince Cable: Business Secretary
Deputy Liberal Democrat leader Cable, 67, is to succeed Lord Mandelson as Business Secretary. A former economist and Labour adviser, he entered Parliament as MP for Twickenham in 1997 and famously said in 2007 that Gordon Brown had gone through a âremarkable transformation in the last few weeks from Stalin to Mr Bean.â
An MP since 1997, 53-year-old Lansley was made Conservative health spokesman six years ago. He has played a significant role in convincing the public that the NHS is a high priority for the Tories.
Dr Liam Fox: Defence Secretary
Having served as shadow health secretary under both William Hague and Iain Duncan Smith former GP Dr Fox came third in the 2005 party leadership contest. As shadow defence secretary he led Tory criticism of armed forces funding under Gordon Brown.
David Laws: Treasury Chief Secretary
Despite once challenging the seat of a future Conservative leader, David Laws is perhaps one of the Lib Dems more at ease among his new Tory colleagues.The always sharp-suited former investment banker is seen to be on the right of the party, co-authoring the free-market Orange Book in 2004.He is also one of the Lib Dems’ fastest risers – it has taken him less than a decade in parliament to achieve a Cabinet post.
Chris Huhne: Energy and climate change
The 55-year-old has been awarded one of the briefs closest to his party’s heart. He has plenty of knowledge on the subject – he was environmental spokesman when Sir Menzies Campbell was leader.
Iain Duncan Smith: Work and pensions
Much mocked as Tory leader from 2001 to 2003, the 56-year-old’s rehabilitation continues. While on the backbenches he set up a think-tank investigating social exclusion and poverty.
Danny Alexander: Scottish Secretary
Nick Clegg’s chief of staff was part of the Lib Dems’ four-man negotiating team which helped set up the coalition. The 37-year-old joined the party as a press officer in 1993 and has been an MP since 2005.
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