So too were several of the other key portfolios handed out yesterday, 18 hours after ministers were first named.

Balls was appointed to the key economic portfolio yesterday after the resignation of Alan Johnson due to marriage difficulties.

Other key portfolios include Education and Fisheries and Aquaculture.

A reconstitution of the Ministry took place on 14 December 2011, with several key portfolios changing hands and other portfolios being redefined.

A number of key portfolios were placed directly under the President's supervision in the form of Ministries-delegate.

On Dec. 23 Alia announced a reshuffle of key economic portfolios in an effort to tackle the country's economic crisis.

In 1941 to 1943 he was appointed to the Viceroy's Executive Council with the key portfolio of Supply.

"Vorontsov has been given at least two key portfolios - arms control and the Persian Gulf," a Western diplomat said.

She gave herself several key portfolios to strengthen her own power as the country's leader.

Later, he also held key portfolios like health and refugee rehabilitation.