Tessa Jowell, the secretary of state for the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), will take up the new post of Olympics minister in the government.

Jowell – who was in Singapore for the announcement – will take ministerial responsibility for the delivery of the Olympics. It is believed that the role will carry separate cabinet status, and that she will step down as culture secretary to focus on the Games.

She said after the announcement: "There are 30 kids from the East End of London here with us, this is what this is for - to unlock their ambition.

"Sport is going to be completely central to government policy. This is the biggest prize that sport can bestow. I cannot tell you how proud I am – I've been shaking for the past two hours."