WORCESTER MP Mike Foster is celebrating after being promoted to the Whips office as part of Tony Blair's latest Government shake-up.

Mr Foster said he was "absolutely delighted" to get the phone call from the Prime Minister on Friday evening to offer him the job.

"I got a call from Downing Street switchboard saying the Prime Minister wanted to talk to me between 7pm and 7.30pm," he said.

"I was very pleased to be offered it and duly accepted.

"I am looking forward to meeting the challenges ahead in this new post, and to support the ministerial team in driving forward the reform agenda which we were elected on last year and which we need to deliver on as the local election results suggest."

Mr Foster also said a letter circulating among MPs calling for Mr Blair to name a date for the PM's departure was "not helpful" to the Government.

The letter, which is being drawn up with the aim of getting 50 signatures from backbenchers, has been drafted and sent to the media before it goes to Mr Blair.

"All I know about that is what I have read in the Sunday newspapers," said Mr Foster. "I don't think it's helpful. There will be a hand-over and a smooth transition of power. I trust Tony Blair to make a decision at the right time for the country."