New Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander today named her front-bench team in what she described as "a cabinet of all the talents".

But in a move seen as "jobs for the girls" the shadow cabinet now contains seven women and just three men.

Margaret Curran, the former justice spokeswoman, becomes shadow health secretary and Andy Kerr, the former health spokesman, becomes shadow public services secretary.

Both were seen as possible candidates for the Labour leadership after Jack McConnell stood down - but both decided not to mount a challenge to Ms Alexander.

Ms Curran's former justice brief goes to Pauline McNeill, a former Holyrood Justice Committee convener.

Two other former ministers do not get any role on Ms Alexander's front-bench team. Former education secretary Hugh Henry does not get a front-bench appointment.

But he is likely to be given a free-booting role at Holyrood to take on the SNP, possibly by being nominated for the convenership of a committee.

There is no front-bench job for Patricia Ferguson, who was Jack McConnell's shadow culture and European minister.

Two relative newcomers are promoted for the first time in Ms Alexander's team.

Ex-Glasgow council leader Charlie Gordon becomes shadow transport minister, and former STUC official John Park becomes skills spokesman.

The new line-up also sees a return to the front-benches for Malcolm Chisholm.

He resigned last December as communities minister after voting with the SNP in a debate on Trident. He now becomes new Europe spokesman.

Announcing her team, Ms Alexander said: "With this new shadow cabinet of all the talents Labour will be an effective and dedicated opposition.

"Make no mistake - this team will hold the SNP's minority administration to account," she said.

The SNP dismissed the changes as "a reshuffle of the same old faces". New Labour line-up

Leader of the opposition: Wendy Alexander Parliamentary business/ constitutional issues: Jackie Baillie Chief whip: Michael McMahon Europe/external affairs: Malcolm Chisholm Finance: Iain Gray Enterprise: Elaine Murray Energy and tourism: Lewis Macdonald Public services: Andy Kerr Transport: Charlie Gordon Education/ lifelong learning:.Rhona Brankin Schools: Ken MacIntosh Children: Mary Mulligan Higher education: Richard Baker Skills: John Park Health: Margaret Curran Public health: Richard Simpson Communities: Johann Lamont Sport: Frank McAveety Justice: Pauline McNeill Community safety: Paul Martin Rural affairs: Sarah Boyack Environment: Des McNulty Rural development: Karen Gillon