Two Kent Labour MPs have taken up junior ministerial jobs following Gordon Brown's reshuffle.

Gillingham MP Paul Clark has been appointed transport minister while Chatham and Aylesford MP Jonathan Shaw is to become minister for the disabled. He will continue in his role as minister for the south east.

Mr Clark’s appointment is likely to see him involved in key decisions affecting the county’s transport network, among them the job of determining whether to support plans for a 70-acre lorry park along the M20 to cope when Operation Stack is implemented.

He said: "I'm extremely privileged to be asked to be a minister in such an important aspect of all our lives – whether it is as a rail commuter, driving on our road network, navigating our coasts and waterways, utilising cycle paths, bus routes or footpaths."

He added: "I will be doing all that I can to help deliver reliable and efficient transport networks, supporting economic growth, our communities, contributing to tackling climate change and enhancing opportunities for all sections of our society".

Mr Shaw said he hoped his experience as a social worker before becoming an MP would help in his new role. "It is vital we continue to move forward and provide people with disabilities with a wide range of programmes to help them in their lives," he said.

He dismissed concerns among some Labour MPs over the return of Peter Mandelson to the cabinet but admitted he was surprised at the appointment.

"He is a controversial figure - but even his worst enemies would have to concede that he was extremely effective in the two departments he previously ran."

For more news from Medway visit medwaymessenger.co.uk >>>