The Hemsworth MP – whose constituency covers Featherstone and Ackworth – will work closely with Mr Brown as his parliamentary private secretary following a cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Trickett had to cancel a meeting with council chiefs about Featherstone's regeneration on Friday when he was given the shock news.

He said: "I'm still getting my feet under the table and settling in at 10 Downing Street.

"Gordon said he was going to ask a question and the only answer was yes – I couldn't turn it down and started work right away.

"There have been a lot of changes in the country, we have to work to meet challenges and taking this job means I am in a position to do that.

"The immediate task is to make sure the country gets through the severe economic crisis which started in America."

Mr Trickett will be the first point of contact for MPs wanting to raise an issue at 10 Downing Street and will help prepare the weekly Prime Minister's questions.

He will watch out for potential rebellions in the Labour party but also said he would highlight local matters.

Mr Trickett added: "My new position means I am the eyes and ears of the prime minister, it's a wide ranging brief more political than ministerial.

"I'm excited at the opportunity to serve the country and help the government deliver better policies for people in our area.

"This role means that I can take issues I see in our constituency straight to the heart of government – and my meeting about Featherstone with council chiefs will take place shortly."