Edward Davey has entered the Cabinet after being promoted to energy secretary today.

His Liberal Democrat colleague Chris Huhne quit this morning after learning he would be charged with lying about a speeding offence.

Downing Street confirmed his appointment moments ago.

Announcing Mr Davey's new role, deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said he had "a lifelong commitment to the environment" and had "shown a formidable grasp of government policy".

He said: "He is the right man for the job."

The business minister has been MP for Kingston and Surbiton since winning the seat in a surprise victory in 1997, which saw the Tory MP in the area defeated for the first time in history.

He has held shadow roles for the office of the deputy prime minister, education, trade and industry, foreign affairs and has been parliamentary under secretary of state for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

The post is seen as a significant promotion for the MP, who fared badly when the coalition was formed in 2010 and was goaded by his political opponents when over his lack of a cabinet seat.

Taunted by KingstonTories on Twitter "Still no position for Ed Davey" he replied "patience my new found colleagues!!"

The Nottinghamshire-born man is the youngest of three sons and studied politics, economics and philosophy at Oxford and at London University, where he was active environmental campaigner.

However the former economist and management consultant, who now lives with his wife and son in Surbiton, but did not join a political party or society until becoming a Liberal Democrat in 1989.