Patricia Hewitt has come under fire after failing to appoint a full-time replacement to former energy minister Brian Wilson.

The trade and industry secretary has instead handed his portfolio to Stephen Timms, who already oversees postal services, e-commerce and corporate social responsibility issues.

"This seems to be downgrading both the importance of getting the Post Office right and energy right," said Liberal Democrat spokesman Vincent Cable.

Shadow industry secretary Tim Yeo said the government now had a "part-time" energy policy.