Details so far on the shadow cabinet (taken from the BBC):
Ed Miliband is naming his first shadow cabinet. Here are details of the key appointments so far.
As shadow chancellor, the 60-year old becomes the pivotal figure in the Labour team. Some urged him to move against Gordon Brown when the former PM was under pressure in 2008 and 2009. But after being pipped to the deputy leadership in 2007, he decided not to stand for the top role after May's election and threw his support behind David Miliband. A former postman, he became head of the Communication Workers Union before entering politics. Held high-profile roles in the last government such as health secretary and home secretary.
The 43-year old is one of the most recognisable figures in British politics. As Gordon Brown's chief economic adviser, he was at the chancellor's side for many years. After being elected an MP in 2005, he quickly became a Treasury minister but had to deny accusations of briefing against Tony Blair. Was schools secretary under Gordon Brown and narrowly held onto his seat in May's election after being targeted by the Tories. Came third in the Labour leadership contest after running a combative campaign in which he called on Labour to change its position on the deficit. Married to shadow cabinet colleague Yvette Cooper. Both were tipped as potential shadow chancellors.
Popular throughout the party, the 40-year old got the most votes of any MP in the shadow cabinet elections. A former journalist with the Independent, she was marked out early on as a rising star after being elected in 1997. Two years later, at the age of 30, she became a minister - the youngest at the time. She rose quickly up the ministerial ladder, working in the Treasury before becoming work and pensions secretary. Was urged by some to run for the leadership but decided against it, saying it was not the right time. Married to Ed Balls - the couple have three children.
The 40-year old raised his profile in the party and the public by standing for the Labour leadership, in which he came fourth. During the campaign, he argued that Labour had lost touch with its grass roots supporters and been dazzled by wealth. Like many senior figures in the party, he is a former special adviser. Rose quickly through the ranks after becoming an MP, serving as chief secretary to the Treasury, culture secretary and health secretary. Keen football player and avid Everton fan.
The 50-year old is a popular figure among Labour MPs, once described as the "MP's MP", but he still surprised many by becoming second in the shadow cabinet election poll. He said he was "very pleased" with the result. Before entering Parliament in 1997, he worked for a number of charities for the disabled and was also the TUC's campaigns director. Impressed colleagues with the way he co-ordinated the government's response to the 2007 floods. Promoted soon after to become housing minister. He backed Ed Balls in the leadership contest.
As deputy Labour leader, Harriet Harman did not have to stand in shadow cabinet elections. She took over from Gordon Brown as acting leader in May, capping a remarkable political comeback after she was sacked from Tony Blair's first Cabinet in 1998 in a row over welfare reform. She worked her way back into favour and held a number of ministerial positions before beating Alan Johnson to the deputy leadership in 2007. A longstanding campaigner for women's rights, who was widely commended for her Commons performances as acting leader, she now gets one of the most sought-after briefs in the shadow cabinet.
The 43-year old former solicitor is one of a handful of senior Labour figures who were close to both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Once Gordon Brown's speechwriter, he served as Scottish secretary and transport secretary under Tony Blair and international development secretary under Gordon Brown. Blamed by some for the election that never was in 2007 after urging Gordon Brown to call a snap poll. Backed David Miliband in the leadership contest, chairing his campaign.
JOHN DENHAM - SHADOW BUSINESS SECRETARY
The 57-year old hit the headlines in 2003 when he resigned from the government over his opposition to the Iraq war. But this did not prevent him from returning to office a few years later, latterly as universities secretary and communities secretary. Just held onto his Southampton Itchen seat at May's election with a majority of 192. Backed Ed Miliband in the leadership election, saying he was best able to win back voters who had deserted Labour.
The 49-year old caused a stir last year when she quit the government and accused Gordon Brown of regarding her and other senior women in the Cabinet as "window dressing". Like many leading female MPs, the former union worker entered Parliament in the 1997 Labour landslide. Responsible for the controversial eco-town project as housing minister before becoming Europe minister in 2008. Supported David Miliband in the leadership contest.
