Mandelson's return a risk - Balls - News in brief

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But Schools Secretary Ed Balls said that he backed the decision, which he said also represented "a great opportunity for our country and our Government".

Mr Brown himself said that the reshuffle brought together the expertise from business and politics needed to get Britain through difficult economic times.

Following Friday's shock Cabinet reshuffle, which saw Mr Mandelson appointed Business Secretary, Margaret Beckett brought back as housing minister and John Hutton moved to defence, details of further changes in junior Government positions trickled out.

Britain's first Muslim minister Shahid Malik revealed that he had been promoted to a post in the Ministry of Justice, while Glasgow South MP Tom Harris confirmed he had been sacked as transport minister.

Downing Street declined to confirm any further details of the reshuffle, which are expected to be formally announced over the weekend.

Mr Mandelson's return to a Government he was twice forced to quit won a mixed reaction, with business leaders welcoming his appointment, while some Labour MPs warned he would be a disruptive and divisive influence.

Mr Balls dismissed reports that he opposed the appointment, telling Sky News: "Of course it's a risk, but at the same time, it's also a great opportunity for our country and our Government. Peter has got great experience, and great international experience... I spoke to him (on Saturday morning) and I know that he is determined to come back and work with us all together to do the best for Britain."

Ed Miliband, who was appointed to the new post of Energy and Climate Change Secretary in the reshuffle, acknowledged that Mr Mandelson had many critics, but insisted that even they would agree that he was a person of "immense talent".

"I think British business will be thinking 'Actually, Peter Mandelson is a good person to be in charge of our interests in Government'," Mr Miliband told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "Is the Government stronger with Peter Mandelson in it? Yes, I think it is, absolutely."