2003 Congress President Gareth Thomas declared himself to be "absolutely delighted" after being appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of International Development in Tony Blair's Government reshuffle last week.
Mr Thomas, Co-op Party chairman and Labour/Co-op MP for Harrow West, takes over a position once held by another Co-op MP, George Foulkes.
Said Mr Thomas: "On a personal level I am absolutely delighted, but the job will be a big challenge as well as an opportunity to tackle one of the Co-op Movement's big issues – the need to eliminate world poverty.
"I'm thrilled to be a member of the Government and view my promotion as further recognition for the Co-op Movement."
Mr Thomas replaces Sally Keeble MP and will work with new International Development Secretary Baroness Amos.
Co-op Party National Secretary Peter Hunt said: "On behalf of the party, I offer Gareth our warmest congratulations. He has been an immense asset to the Movement and will continue to be so now he is a Minister. I'm sure he is looking forward to advancing the co-operative cause in his new role."
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