Greg Clark has been handed a job in the department for communities and local government - the office which will decide whether KIG goes ahead.

Mr Clark (Con), the MP for Tunbridge Wells, will have special responsibility for the decentralisation of government powers - one of the key reform proposals being put forward by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat government.

The plans for Kent International Gateway - a giant road-rail freight depot proposed for the North Downs near Bearsted - were considered subject of a public inquiry last year.

The planning inspector made his decision on whether it should be built in March, but his verdict remained on file during the election campaign and has not yet been published.

The inspector's report is now in the in-tray of the new secretary for communities and local government, Eric Pickles.

Hugh Robertson (Con), the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, is expected to be confirmed as sports minister today.

Mr Robertson has been the shadow sports minister for six years. His new brief will include overseeing preparations for the 2012 London Olympics. He will also be involved in England's bid to host the World Cup in 2018.