SOUTHAMPTON MP John Denham has revealed he wants to be remembered for boosting the skills of workers who struggled in the labour market.

Mr Denham who was appointed Secretary of State in the new Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)last summer, discussed his political ambitions during his first appearance before a Commons committee set up to keep an eye on the department.

The MP, when asked what he would like to achieve with DIUS, said: "I think it would be to make a real contribution to the country's economic competitiveness and prosperity and make a real difference to social inclusion and social mobility by raising the skill levels of those whose skills are poor at the moment and who struggle in the labour market."

The minister said the decision to scrap the former Department for Education and Skills and split its responsibilities across two departments was a logical one.