Gordon Brown's Cabinet reshuffle has seen EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson return to British politics, with Margaret Beckett also set to take a Cabinet role.

A reshuffle was expected in the autumn but many believe was brought forward after Ruth Kelly's intention to step down was leaked to the press. The story came out shortly after the Prime Minister's conference speech, tarnishing his attempts to steady a government unsettled by resignations and calls for a leadership contest.

Mandelson will take over as Business Secretary, with the man currently in the position, John Hutton, replacing Des Browne as Defence Secretary. Browne was offered another position but turned it down, believing that accepting it would be an offence to the military, the BBC reports.

Beckett's role is yet to be announced, with some form of Cabinet oversight position widely expected. Geoff Hoon is to take over at transport, with the Foreign Secretary's brother Ed Miliband leading a new combined energy and climate change department.

Mandelson's appointment has been received as an attempt by Brown to calm his Blairite opponents and restore some unity to his Government.