Miliband forms shadow cabinet

Newly-elected Labour leader Ed Miliband has announced the formation of his new shadow cabinet, bringing to an end speculation over who would fill key roles in opposition.

The new Labour front bench is largely dominated by former Cabinet ministers. Shadow chancellor Alan Johnson served as home secretary under Gordon Brown, while shadow foreign secretary Yvette Cooper was once work and pensions secretary.

Other former ministers include Douglas Alexander, now shadow work and pensions secretary, and shadow leader of the House of Commons Hilary Benn.

Deputy leader Harriet Harman, who was leader of the House of Commons during Mr Brown's premiership, received an additional appointment as shadow international development secretary.

Four former Cabinet ministers – Peter Hain, Ben Bradshaw, Pat McFadden and Shaun Woodward – failed to gain enough votes to be considered for a position on the front bench.

Three of Mr Miliband's four rivals in last month's leadership contest were given positions in the new shadow cabinet. Ed Balls was appointed shadow home secretary, Andy Burnham was made shadow education secretary and Diane Abbott was made shadow minister for public health.

Mr Miliband's older brother David, who was Gordon Brown's foreign secretary and initially the favourite for the leadership after Mr Brown's resignation in May, chose not to stand for election.

Members of a Labour shadow cabinet are elected via a ballot of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), of which all Labour MPs are members. The party leader then assigns cabinet portfolios to the candidates with the most votes; in this case the top 19.

Party rules mean that this election only takes place in opposition- when in government, Cabinet posts are assigned at the discretion of the Prime Minister.