His appointment is expected to be officially announced later today.

The 47-year-old former Major in the Life Guards will have one of the most high-profile roles in Cameron's new coalition Government.

He will also replace Gerry Sutcliffe as Sports Minister and will be the Government spokesman on England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Robertson was last week re-elected as the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, a post he has held since 2001, with a majority of 17,088, making his one of the safest seats in Britain.

Robertson's appointment was backed by Dame Kelly Holmes, the 2004 Olympic 800 and 1500 metres champion, who leads an Olympic Legacy Task Force set-up by Cameron before the General Election.

She exclusively told insidethegames: "I think he's a good guy for the job."

Jowell had been involved in the bid since it was launched in 2002.

Dame Kelly said: "Obviously I feel sorry for Tessa  because I know she's put her heart and soul into that the last few years.

"But I think Hugh will do a fantastic job of making sure that we get what we need out of the Games and post-Games, which is even more important."

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