MP David Kidney has been awarded a ministerial post in the final stage of Gordon Brown's Government reshuffle.

Mr Kidney, MP for Stafford, was appointed as a junior minister in the department of Energy and Climate Change by the Prime Minister yesterday (9/6).

He said: "It is a privilege and an honour to be able to serve in government and I really believe that I can make a difference for the better.

"People are more aware now than ever before about the dangers created by climate change, the need for security of energy supplies and the need for affordable energy for both householders and businesses."

Mr Kidney, who will work underneath Climate Secretary Ed Balls, said he intends to help push through the Government's agenda for cutting greenhouse gases.

He also wants to promote the development of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, biomass, tidal and wave power as well as the workforce needed to expand the renewable energy sector.

He said: "I'll be on a steep upward learning curve as regards the life of a minister. I hope my constituents will be pleased for me.

"I wish to ask my constituents to be patient if for a short while I will be less accessible than they are used to because of my new duties."

Mr Kidney will not be paid in his new position as there is a cap on the number of ministerial wages that a Government can pay out.

He added: "At least my acceptance shows I'm motivated by the good I can do in this job and not the money."