TRIUMPHANT MP Ivan Lewis has been appointed a junior education minister in Tony Blair's new Government.

The Bury South MP, re-elected last week for a second term, was telephoned by the Prime Minister on Monday (June 11) offering him the promotion.

Mr Lewis will serve as Parliamentary under-secretary of state in the education and skills department, now headed by Estelle Morris following David Blunkett's move to the Home Office.

He will have special responsibility for policies relating to those aged between 14 and 19.

Mr Lewis, aged just 34, was tipped as a rising star after he was appointed Parliamentary private secretary to trade and industry secretary Stephen Byers in the last Parliament. The Labour man said he was delighted and surprised to get the job and the shock was so much that he couldn't remember what he said to Mr Blair!

"I would like to thank my constituents for their support which has allowed me this wonderful chance to make a difference at national level."

Mr Lewis said that the needs of his constituents would remain his top priority. He will continue to live in the area with his family, run a full-time office and hold regular surgeries in Radcliffe, Prestwich and Whitefield.

"My work in the department will be guided by one central objective, building a Britain where every young person has the opportunity to pursue their dreams and fulfil their potential," he said.

"There can be few more important challenges facing us at the beginning of a new century. Our proposed reforms of secondary education will ensure that every child has access to educational and training provision which best meets their individual needs."

He concluded: "I hope local people will feel my appointment is an honour for our area. I owe everything to the many local people who have supported and encouraged me over many years."

Mr Lewis has wasted no time in fulfilling one of the pre-election pledges he made in the Bury Times.

Within "the next few days" he will set up a summit meeting to fight crime, inviting the police, council officers, youth services staff and others.

Mr Lewis wants to tackle two specific issues whch are street muggings, and youths causing annoyance.

"These are things that people are really worried about at the moment," he said. "We need a clear strategy and concerted action.

"Too many decent people's lives are being made a misery by a small minority. It's time to stand up for the decent majority. I am determined that we will get stuck in."