Jane Kennedy has left the Northern Ireland Office in the wake of Beverley Hughes' resignation.

The Liverpool Wavertree MP becomes minister for work.  Her predecessor, Des Browne, replaced Hughes as immigration minister on Thursday.

Northern Ireland secretary Paul Murphy congratulated Kennedy on her appointment.

"Jane has played an exceptional role as minister of state in the Northern Ireland Office," he said.

"As minister responsible for security, policing and prisons, she has had to deal with many difficult and contentious issues.

"I also welcomed her willingness to take on new responsibilities for education, employment and learning following the suspension of devolved government in Northern Ireland in October 2002.

"Her appointment as a privy councillor last year is an indication of the high regard in which she is held.

"I will be sorry to lose her valued input and positive approach to the work of the Northern Ireland Office and I wish her well in her new role and future career."

Junior Northern Ireland minister Ian Pearson takes over from Kennedy, while Brent North MP Barry Gardiner is promoted to replace him.

A spokesman confirmed that portfolios will be reallocated once Gardiner arrives at the department.