EALING Southall’s MP was yesterday celebrating a promotion to a government post.

Councillor Virendra Sharma, who won the area’s by-election in August last year, has been appointed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to the Treasury and Home Office.

Cllr Sharma will be Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of State at the Treasury and the Home Office, Phil Woolas MP, who has responsibility for Borders and Immigration.

Cllr Sharma, said: “It is a great honour to join the Treasury and Home Office teams - two of the most important government departments with direct and deep relevance to many of my constituents in Ealing Southall, to Black, Minority and Ethnic (BME) communities and every citizen affected by the current economic challenges, crime and involved in the immigration system.”

He added: “I hope to bring many years of local and national experience to the job. In London there are no more important challenges than helping families through the current economic difficulties, ensuring our managed migration system is fair and balanced, and that we tackle issues such as knife crime and drugs in the capital.”

The representative for Norwood Green, said his role will enhance the work he does within his constituency.